Liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device which has a wide viewing angle and less color-shift depending on an angle at which a display screen is seen and can display an image favorably recognized both outdoors in sunlight and dark indoors (or outdoors at night). The liquid crystal display device includes a first portion where display is performed by transmission of light and a second portion where display is performed by reflection of light. Further, a liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal molecule which rotates parallel to an electrode plane when a potential difference is generated between two electrodes of a liquid crystal element provided below the liquid crystal layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/198,825, filed Mar. 6, 2014, now allowed, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/948,336, filed Jul. 23, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,675,158, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/195,956, filed Aug. 2, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,508,700, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/010,823, filed Jan. 21,2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,999,892, which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/816,433, filed Jun. 16, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.7,880,836, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/565,989, filed Dec. 1, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,889,295, whichclaims the benefit of a foreign priority application filed in Japan asSerial No. 2005-350198 on Dec. 5, 2005, all of which are incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a liquid crystal displaydevice which is driven by changing alignment of a liquid crystalmolecule by an electric field that is almost horizontal to a substrate.

BACKGROUND ART

A display device includes a self-light emitting display device and anon-light emitting display device. A liquid crystal display device isthe most representative non-light emitting display device. A drivingmethod of liquid crystal in a liquid crystal display device includes avertical electric field type in which voltage is applied vertically to asubstrate and a horizontal electrical field type in which voltage isapplied almost parallel to the substrate.

In recent years, a liquid crystal display device has attractedattention, in which voltage is applied to generate an electric field ina horizontal direction (a direction parallel to a substrate), and aliquid crystal molecule rotates parallel to a substrate plane to makelight from a backlight transmit or not transmit, thereby displaying animage (for example, see Patent Document 1: Japanese Published PatentApplication No. H9-105918 and Non Patent Document 1: Ultra-FFS TFT-LCDwith Super Image Quality and Fast Response Time 2001 SID pp. 484-487).

Each of the vertical electric field type and the horizontal electricfield type has an advantage and a disadvantage. For example, thehorizontal electrical field type has characteristics such as a wideviewing angle, high contrast, high gradation display, and the likecompared to the vertical electric field type typified by a TN type, andis used as a monitor or television. These kinds of liquid crystaldisplay devices coexist in a field of liquid crystal, and products havebeen developed. In addition, each of a liquid crystal material for ahorizontal electric field type and a liquid crystal material for avertical electric field type has been developed and has differentmaterial characteristics in accordance with a direction of appliedvoltage.

Further, a horizontal electric field liquid crystal display deviceincludes an IPS (In-Plane Switching) type and an FFS (Fringe FieldSwitching) type. In an IPS type, a pixel electrode having a comb-shapeor a slit and a common electrode having a comb-shape or a slit arealternately arranged, and an electric field almost parallel to asubstrate is generated between the pixel electrode and the commonelectrode, thereby driving a liquid crystal display device. On the otherhand, in an FFS type, a pixel electrode having a comb-shape or a slit isarranged over a common electrode which has a planar shape and isentirely formed in a pixel portion. An electric field almost parallel toa substrate is generated between the pixel electrode and the commonelectrode, thereby driving a liquid crystal display device.

In such a kind of liquid crystal display device, there are advantagessuch as a wide viewing angle and less color-shift depending on an angleat which a display screen is seen, and the liquid crystal display deviceis effectively used in a display portion of a TV set.

A transmission type liquid crystal display device which utilizes lightfrom a backlight has a problem in that, although a display image iseasily seen in a dark room, a display image is not easily seen insunlight. In particular, this problem greatly influences an electronicappliance which is often used outdoors, such as a camera, a mobileinformation terminal, or a mobile phone.

Therefore, a liquid crystal display device which can display a favorableimage both indoors and outdoors and has a wide viewing angle is expectedto be developed.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystaldisplay device which has a wide viewing angle and less color-shiftdepending on an angle at which a display screen is seen and can displayan image favorably recognized both indoors and outdoors.

A liquid crystal display device according to the present inventionincludes a first portion where display is performed by transmission oflight and a second portion where display is performed by reflection oflight. In addition, a liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystalmolecule which rotates parallel to an electrode plane, that is, in aplane parallel to a substrate, when a potential difference is generatedbetween two electrodes of a liquid crystal element, which are providedbelow the liquid crystal layer.

It is to be noted that, in the present invention, “rotation parallel toan electrode plane” includes parallel rotation which includesdiscrepancy unrecognizable by human eyes. In other words, “rotationparallel to an electrode plane” also includes rotation which mainlyincludes vector components in a plane direction but also includes a fewvector components in a normal direction in addition to the vectorcomponents in a plane direction.

FIGS. 18A to 18C show a liquid crystal molecule which rotates parallelto an electrode plane in a liquid crystal layer. When a potentialdifference is generated between an electrode 803 and an electrode 804provided below a liquid crystal layer, a liquid crystal molecule 802contained in the liquid crystal layer 801 rotates by an effect of ahorizontal electric field. A state shown in FIG. 18A changes into thatshown in FIG. 18B, or the state shown in FIG. 18B changes into thatshown in FIG. 18A, as the liquid crystal molecule 802 rotates. FIGS. 18Aand 18B are cross-sectional views. The rotation seen from above is shownby an arrow in FIG. 18C.

Similarly, FIGS. 93A to 93C show a liquid crystal molecule which rotatesparallel to an electrode plane in a liquid crystal layer. When apotential difference is generated between an electrode 9803 and anelectrode 9805 and between an electrode 9804 and the electrode 9805provided below a liquid crystal layer, a liquid crystal molecule 9802contained in the liquid crystal layer 9801 rotates by an effect of ahorizontal electric field. A state shown in FIG. 93A changes into thatshown in FIG. 93B, or the state shown in FIG. 93B changes into thatshown in FIG. 93A as the liquid crystal molecule 9802 rotates. FIGS. 93Aand 93B are cross-sectional views. The rotation seen from above is shownby an arrow in FIG. 93C.

It is to be noted that positions and the like of the electrode 803 andthe electrode 804 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C.

Similarly, positions and the like of the electrode 9803, the electrode9804, and the electrode 9805 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 93Ato 93C.

In the first portion where display is performed by transmission oflight, a pair of electrodes are provided below a liquid crystal layer inthe same layer. Alternatively, in the first portion, two electrodes of aliquid crystal element are provided below a liquid crystal layer, andthe electrodes are respectively formed in different layers. One of theelectrodes serves as a reflector, or a reflector is provided so as tooverlap with the electrodes, thereby reflecting light. In the secondportion, two electrodes of the liquid crystal element are provided belowa liquid crystal layer. Both the electrodes are light-transmitting andprovided over the same layer or over different layers with an insulatinglayer interposed therebetween.

One mode of the present invention is a liquid crystal display devicewhich includes a liquid crystal element including a first electrodehaving a light-transmitting property, a second electrode having alight-transmitting property, and a liquid crystal layer provided overthe first electrode and the second electrode; a first portion in whichthe first electrode and the second electrode are provided in differentlayers with an insulating layer interposed therebetween; and a secondportion in which the first electrode and the second electrode areprovided over the insulating layer, where, in the first portion, theliquid crystal layer overlaps with a reflector.

In a structure of the present invention, the reflector can beelectrically connected to the second electrode.

Another mode of the present invention is a liquid crystal display devicewhich includes a liquid crystal element including a first electrodehaving a light-transmitting property, a second electrode including afirst conductive layer reflecting light and a second conductive layerhaving a light-transmitting property, and a liquid crystal layer whichis provided over the first electrode and the second electrode andincludes a liquid crystal molecule rotating parallel to the firstelectrode plane; a first portion in which the first electrode and thefirst conductive layer are provided in different layers with aninsulating layer interposed therebetween; and a second portion in whichthe first electrode and the second electrode are provided over theinsulating layer.

Another mode of the present invention is a liquid crystal display devicewhich includes a liquid crystal element and a reflector between a firstsubstrate and a second substrate, where the liquid crystal elementincludes a liquid crystal layer, and a first electrode and a secondelectrode provided between the liquid crystal layer and the firstsubstrate; and where part of the liquid crystal layer overlaps with thereflector provided between at least one of the first electrode and thesecond electrode, and the first substrate.

In the structure of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer caninclude a liquid crystal molecule which rotates parallel to thesubstrate plane when a potential difference is generated between thefirst electrode and the second electrode.

By carrying out the present invention, an image with a wide viewingangle and less color-shift depending on an angle at which a displayscreen is seen, which is favorably recognized both outdoors in sunlightand dark indoors (or outdoors at night) can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view explaining a mode of a cross-sectional structure of apixel portion included in a liquid crystal display device according tothe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view explaining a mode of a structure of a pixel portionincluded in a liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a view explaining a mode of a cross-sectional structure of apixel portion included in a liquid crystal display device according tothe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view explaining a mode of a structure of a pixel portionincluded in a liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a view explaining a mode of a cross-sectional structure of apixel portion included in a liquid crystal display device according tothe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view explaining a mode of a structure of a pixel portionincluded in a liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a view explaining a mode of a cross-sectional structure of apixel portion included in a liquid crystal display device according tothe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view explaining a mode of a structure of a pixel portionincluded in a liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram explaining a circuit of a pixel portion of a liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views each explaining a module to which a liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention is applied;

FIGS. 18A to 18C are views each explaining one mode of a liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention;

FIGS. 19A to 19H are views each explaining one mode of an electronicappliance to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 20 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 50 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 52 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 54 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 56 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 57 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 58 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 59 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 60 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 61 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 62 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 63 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 64 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 67 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 68 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 69 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 70 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 71 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 72 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 73 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 74 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 75 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 76 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 77 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 78 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 79 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 80 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 81 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 82 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 83 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 84 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 85 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 86 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 87 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 88 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 89 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 90 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 91A to 91D are views each explaining one mode of a liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention;

FIGS. 92A and 92B are views each explaining one mode of a liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention;

FIGS. 93A to 93C are views each explaining one mode of a liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention;

FIG. 94 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 95 is a view explaining one mode of a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 96A and 96B are views each explaining one mode of a liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 97A and 97B are views each explaining one mode of a liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, one mode of the present invention will be described. It isto be noted that the present invention can be implemented in manydifferent modes, and it is easily understood by those skilled in the artthat modes and details thereof can be modified in various ways withoutdeparting from the purpose and the scope of the invention. Therefore,the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to thedescription of the embodiment modes.

In the present invention, a type of an applicable transistor is notlimited. It is thus possible to apply a thin film transistor (TFT) usinga non-single crystal semiconductor film typified by amorphous siliconand polycrystalline silicon, a transistor using a semiconductorsubstrate or an SOI substrate, a MOS transistor, a junction typetransistor, or a bipolar transistor, a transistor using an organicsemiconductor or a carbon nanotube; or other transistor. Further, a typeof a substrate over which a transistor is arranged is not limited, and atransistor can be arranged over a single crystal substrate, an SOIsubstrate, a glass substrate, or the like.

In the present invention, “to be connected” also indicates “to beelectrically connected”. Accordingly, in a structure disclosed in thepresent invention, other elements capable of electrical connection (suchas a switch, a transistor, a capacitor, a resistor, a diode, and otherelement) may be arranged, in addition, between predetermined connectedelements.

It is to be noted that a switch shown in the present invention may be anelectrical switch or a mechanical switch. That is, any switch may beused as far as it can control a current flow, and the switch may be atransistor, a diode, or a logic circuit combining a transistor and adiode. Therefore, in the case of applying a transistor as a switch,polarity (conductivity type) thereof is not particularly limited becausethe transistor operates just as a switch. However, when an off-statecurrent is desired to be low, a transistor of polarity with a loweroff-state current is desirably used. For example, a transistor which isprovided with an LDD region, a transistor which has a multi-gatestructure, or the like has a low off-state current. Further, it isdesirable that an n-channel transistor be employed when potential of asource terminal of a transistor serving as a switch is close topotential of a low potential side power source (Vss, Vgnd, 0 V or thelike), and a p-channel transistor be employed when the potential of thesource terminal is close to potential of a high potential side powersource (Vdd or the like). This helps the switch operate efficientlysince an absolute value of gate-source voltage can be increased. It isto be noted that a CMOS type switch using both an n-channel transistorand a p-channel transistor may also be used.

As described above, various types of transistors can be used as atransistor of the present invention, and the transistor may be formedover various substrates. Therefore, all the circuits which drive a pixelmay be formed over a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a singlecrystal substrate, an SOI substrate, or other substrate. Alternatively,part of a circuit which drives a pixel may be formed over a certainsubstrate while another part of the circuit which drives a pixel may beformed over another substrate. That is to say, all the circuits whichdrive a pixel are not required to be formed over the same substrate. Forexample, a pixel arrangement and a gate line driver circuit are formedusing a TFT over a glass substrate, and a signal line driver circuit (orpart thereof) may be formed over a single crystal substrate, and then,IC chips formed in this manner may be connected by COG (Chip On Glass)and arranged over a glass substrate. Alternatively, the IC chip may beconnected to a glass substrate by using TAB (Tape Automated Bonding) ora printed substrate.

Embodiment Mode 1

One mode of a liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIG. 20. A liquid crystaldisplay device is provided with a plurality of pixels arranged in amatrix, and FIG. 20 shows one mode of a cross-sectional structure of onepixel.

As shown in FIG. 20, the liquid crystal display device includes areflection portion 1001 where display is performed by reflection oflight and a transmission portion 1002 where display is performed bytransmission of light. In each portion, an electrode serving as a pixelelectrode and an electrode serving as a common electrode are provided.

The electrode serving as a pixel electrode is formed into a comb-shapeor a slit shape. On the other hand, the electrode serving as a commonelectrode is formed into a flat shape or formed entirely in a pixelportion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

A space between the electrodes, each of which is formed into acomb-shape or a slit shape and serves as a pixel electrode, ispreferably 2 to 8 μm, more preferably 3 to 4 μm.

Voltage is supplied between the electrode serving as a pixel electrodeand the electrode serving as a common electrode, thereby generating anelectric field. The electric field contains a lot of components whichare parallel to a substrate. Then, a liquid crystal molecule rotates ina plane parallel to the substrate in accordance with the electric field.Accordingly, it is possible to control transmissivity and reflectivenessof light and to display a gradation.

When a plurality of electrodes each serving as a common electrode areprovided, preferably, a contact hole is opened in an insulating layer orthe electrodes are made to overlap with each other so as to electricallyconnect the common electrodes.

In addition, when the electrode serving as a pixel electrode and theelectrode serving as a common electrode are arranged with an insulatinglayer interposed therebetween, a portion where the electrodes arearranged with an insulating layer interposed therebetween serves as acapacitor. Therefore, the portion can also serve as a storage capacitorfor storing an image signal.

The reflection portion 1001 where display is performed by reflection oflight has a reflecting electrode, by which light is reflected to performdisplay. The reflecting electrode may also serve as a common electrode,or alternatively, the reflecting electrode and the common electrode maybe separately provided. Therefore, the reflecting electrode may beconnected to the common electrode to be supplied with voltage. However,when the reflecting electrode and the common electrode are separatelyprovided, there is also the case where no voltage is supplied, oranother voltage is supplied.

The transmission portion 1002 where display is performed by transmissionof light has a transmitting electrode, by which light is transmitted toperform display. The transmitting electrode may also serve as a commonelectrode, or alternatively, the transmitting electrode and the commonelectrode may be separately provided. Therefore, the transmittingelectrode may be connected to the common electrode to be supplied withvoltage. However, when the transmitting electrode and the commonelectrode are separately provided, there is also the case where novoltage is supplied, or another voltage is supplied. In addition, thetransmitting electrode may also serve as a pixel electrode.

Subsequently, a structure of FIG. 20 will be described. In thereflection portion 1001, an electrode 10 of a liquid crystal element andan electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element overlap with each otherwith an insulating layer 13 and an insulating layer 14 interposedtherebetween. In addition, in the transmission portion 1002, theelectrode 10 of the liquid crystal element and an electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element overlap with each other with the insulating layer14 interposed therebetween.

The electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element is formed into acomb-shape, and the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element are entirely formed in thepixel portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.The electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 ofthe liquid crystal element may have a gap like a slit or a hole, or maybe formed into a comb-shape.

The electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element serves as a pixelelectrode, and the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element each serve as a commonelectrode. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Theelectrode 10 of the liquid crystal element may serve as a commonelectrode, and the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element may each serve as a pixelelectrode.

As for the electrodes each serving as a common electrode, preferably, acontact hole is opened in an insulating layer so as to electricallyconnect the electrodes. Alternatively, the electrodes are made tooverlap with each other so as to electrically connect the electrodes.

The electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element is formed using aconductive material which reflects light. Therefore, this electrodeserves as a reflecting electrode. In addition, the electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element is formed using a conductive material whichtransmits light. Therefore, this electrode serves as a transmittingelectrode.

It is preferable to form the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal elementusing a conductive material which transmits light. This is because theelectrode 10 can transmit light and can thus contribute to a portionwhich displays an image. It is to be noted that the electrode 10 of theliquid crystal element may also be formed using a material whichreflects light. In such a case, since the electrode 10 reflects light,even the transmission portion 1002 can serve as a reflection portion.

In addition, when the electrode serving as a pixel electrode (theelectrode 10 of the liquid crystal element) and the electrode serving asa common electrode (the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element andthe electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element) are arranged with aninsulating layer interposed therebetween, a portion where the electrodesare arranged with an insulating layer interposed therebetween serves asa capacitor. Therefore, the portion can also serve as a storagecapacitor for storing an image signal.

FIG. 83 shows a state where an electric field is applied between theelectrodes of the liquid crystal element of FIG. 20. In the reflectionportion 1001 where display is performed by reflection of light, when apotential difference is generated between the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element and the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element,liquid crystal molecules (15 a and 15 b) contained in the liquid crystallayer 15 rotate parallel to the plane of the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element and the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element (i.e.in a plane parallel to a substrate), and it becomes possible to controlthe amount of light which passes through the liquid crystal layer 15.More precisely, it becomes possible to control a polarized state oflight, and the liquid crystal molecules (15 a and 15 b) can control theamount of light which passes through a polarizing plate provided on theouter side of the substrate. FIG. 83 corresponds to FIG. 18A and FIG.93A. The liquid crystal molecules (15 a and 15 b) shown in FIG. 83rotate in the manner similar to those shown in FIGS. 18A to 18B and 93Ato 93B. Light that has entered the liquid crystal display device fromoutside passes through the liquid crystal layer 15, transmits throughthe electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element, the insulating layer 13,and the insulating layer 14, reflects at the electrode 11 of the liquidcrystal element, passes through the insulating layer 13, the insulatinglayer 14, the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element, and the liquidcrystal layer 15 again, and is emitted from the liquid crystal displaydevice.

Since the insulating layer 13 and the insulating layer 14 scarcely haverefractive index anisotropy, a polarized state is not changed even whenlight passes through the insulating layer.

In addition, in the transmission portion 1002 where display is performedby transmission of light, when a potential difference is generatedbetween the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element and the electrode12 of the liquid crystal element, liquid crystal molecules (15 c, 15 d,and 15 e) contained in the liquid crystal layer 15 rotate parallel tothe plane of the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element (i.e. in a plane parallel tothe substrate), and it becomes possible to control the amount of lightwhich passes through the liquid crystal layer 15. More precisely, itbecomes possible to control a polarized state of light, and the liquidcrystal molecules (15 c, 15 d, and 15 e) can control the amount of lightwhich passes through a polarizing plate provided on the outer side ofthe substrate. FIG. 83 corresponds to FIG. 18A and FIG. 93A. The liquidcrystal molecules (15 c, 15 d, and 15 e) shown in FIG. 83 rotate in themanner similar to those shown in FIGS. 18A to 18B and 93A to 93B. Lightthat has entered the liquid crystal display device from a backlightpasses through the liquid crystal layer 15 and is emitted from theliquid crystal display device.

It is to be noted that, in the reflection portion 1001 where display isperformed by reflection of light and in the transmission portion 1002where display is performed by transmission of light, a color filter isprovided in a light path, and light is changed into light of a desiredcolor. By combining light emitted from each pixel in such a manner, animage can be displayed.

The color filter may be provided over a counter electrode arranged overthe liquid crystal layer 15, over the electrode 10 of the liquid crystalelement, or in the insulating layer 14 or in part thereof.

It is to be noted that a black matrix may also be provided in the mannersimilar to the color filter.

In the reflection portion 1001 where display is performed by reflectionof light, light passes through the liquid crystal layer 15 twice. Inother words, external light enters the liquid crystal layer 15 from thecounter substrate side, reflects at the electrode 11 of the liquidcrystal element, enters the liquid crystal layer 15 again, and isemitted outside the counter substrate; thus, light passes through theliquid crystal layer 15 twice.

On the other hand, in the transmission portion 1002 where display isperformed by transmission of light, light enters the liquid crystallayer 15 through the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element and isemitted from the counter substrate. In other words, light passes throughthe liquid crystal layer 15 once.

Here, since the liquid crystal layer 15 has refractive index anisotropy,a polarized state of light is changed depending on a traveling distanceof light in the liquid crystal layer 15. Accordingly, an image cannot bedisplayed correctly in some cases. Therefore, it is necessary to adjusta polarized state of light. As a method for adjusting a polarized state,a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 (a so-called cell gap) in thereflection portion 1001 where display is performed by reflection oflight may be thinned so that the distance becomes not too long whenlight passes twice.

Since the insulating layer 13 and the insulating layer 14 scarcely haverefractive index anisotropy, a polarized state is not changed even whenlight passes through the insulating layers. Therefore, presence or athickness of the insulating layer 13 and the insulating layer 14 doesnot greatly influence a polarized state.

In order to thin a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 (a so-calledcell gap), a film for adjusting a thickness may be arranged. In FIG. 20,the insulating layer 13 corresponds to this layer. In other words, inthe reflection portion 1001 where display is performed by reflection oflight, the insulating layer 13 is a layer that is provided to adjust athickness of the liquid crystal layer. By providing the insulating layer13, a thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the reflection portion1001 can be thinner than a thickness of the liquid crystal layer in thetransmission portion 1002.

It is preferable that a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 in thereflection portion 1001 is half of a thickness of the liquid crystallayer 15 in the transmission portion 1002. Here, “to be half” alsoincludes the amount of discrepancy that cannot be recognized by humaneyes.

It is to be noted that light does not enter only from a directionvertical to the substrate, i.e. a normal direction, and light alsoenters obliquely in many cases. Therefore, with all cases considered,traveling distances of light may be almost the same in both thereflection portion 1001 and the transmission portion 1002. Therefore, athickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 in the reflection portion 1001is preferably about greater than or equal to one-third and less than orequal to two-thirds of a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 in thetransmission portion 1002.

As described above, a thickness of the liquid crystal layer can beeasily adjusted when the insulating layer 13 is arranged as a film foradjusting a thickness of the liquid crystal layer on the substrate sideprovided with the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element. In otherwords, various wirings, electrodes, and films are formed on thesubstrate side provided with the electrode 10 of the liquid crystalelement. Therefore, as part of a flow of forming various wirings,electrodes, and films, a film for adjusting a thickness of the liquidcrystal layer may be formed; thus, there are few difficulties when athickness of the liquid crystal layer is adjusted. In addition, itbecomes also possible to form the film for adjusting a thickness of theliquid crystal layer concurrently with a film having another function.Therefore, a process can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced.

In a liquid crystal display device having the above structure accordingto the present invention, a viewing angle is wide, a color is not oftenchanged depending on an angle at which a display screen is seen, and animage that is favorably recognized both outdoors in sunlight and darkindoors (or outdoors at night) can be provided.

In FIG. 20, the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element are formed in the same plane;however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Both theelectrodes may also be formed in different planes.

In FIG. 20, the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element are arranged apart from eachother; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Both theelectrodes may be arranged so as to be in contact or formed using thesame electrode. Alternatively, the electrode 11 of the liquid crystalelement and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element may beelectrically connected to each other.

In FIG. 20, the insulating layer 13 is arranged as a film for adjustinga thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15; however, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The film for adjusting a thickness ofthe liquid crystal layer 15 may also be arranged on the countersubstrate side.

It is to be noted that the insulating layer 13 is arranged as a film foradjusting a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 in order to thin athickness of the liquid crystal layer 15. However, on the other hand,the film may be removed in a predetermined region in order to thicken athickness of the liquid crystal layer 15.

It is to be noted that the surface of the reflecting electrode may beflat but is preferably uneven. By the uneven surface, light can bediffused to be reflected. Consequently, light can be scattered, andluminance can be improved.

Embodiment Mode 2

A mode of a liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention, which has a different structure from that of Embodiment Mode1, will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 42. It is to be notedthat portions having the same function as those of Embodiment Mode 1 aredenoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 21 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 20, in that anelectrode 11 of a liquid crystal element and an electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element are stacked. When the electrode 11 of the liquidcrystal element and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element aredesired to have the same potential, the electrodes may be electricallyconnected by being stacked in such a manner.

It is to be noted that the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element isarranged below the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element; however,the present invention is not limited thereto. The electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element may be arranged over the electrode 11 of theliquid crystal element.

It is to be noted that the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element isarranged entirely below the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element;however, the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element is arranged entirelybelow the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element, the electrode 11of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement can be formed using one mask. In general, the electrode 11 ofthe liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement are formed using different masks. But in this case, theelectrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element can be formed using one mask by forming a masksuch as a half tone mask or a gray tone mask and changing a thickness ofa resist depending on a region. Consequently, the manufacturing processcan be simplified, the number of steps can be reduced, and the number ofmasks (the number of reticles) can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost canbe reduced.

FIG. 22 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device in which part ofan electrode 11 of a liquid crystal element and part of an electrode 12of the liquid crystal element are stacked so as to be electricallyconnected to each other. By such a structure, both the electrodes may beelectrically connected to each other.

It is to be noted that the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element isarranged over and to be in contact with the electrode 11 of the liquidcrystal element; however, the present invention is not limited thereto.The electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element may also be arranged overand to be in contact with the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement.

In such a manner, when the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element isnot arranged over the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element, lossof light there can be reduced.

In FIG. 23, an electrode 11 of a liquid crystal element and an electrode12 of the liquid crystal element are provided in different layers so asto interpose an insulating layer 16. In such a manner, the electrode 11of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement may be provided in different layers.

As described above, when the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal elementand the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element are provided indifferent layers, a distance between the electrode 11 of the liquidcrystal element and an electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element in areflection portion 1001 may be almost the same as a distance between theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 10 of theliquid crystal element in a transmission portion 1002. Accordingly, inthe reflection portion 1001 and the transmission portion 1002, thedistances between the electrodes can be almost the same. A direction, adistribution, intensity, and the like of an electric field are changeddepending on a distance between electrodes. Therefore, when thedistances between the electrodes are almost the same, electric fieldsapplied to the liquid crystal layer 15 can be almost the same in thereflection portion 1001 and the transmission portion 1002; thus, it ispossible to precisely control the liquid crystal molecule. In addition,since degrees of the liquid crystal molecule rotation are almost thesame in the reflection portion 1001 and the transmission portion 1002,an image can be displayed with almost the same gradation in the case ofdisplay as a transmission type and in the case of display as areflection type.

It is to be noted that the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element isarranged entirely below the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element;however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The electrode 12of the liquid crystal element may be arranged at least in thetransmission portion 1002.

It is to be noted that a contact hole may be formed in the insulatinglayer 16 to connect the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element andthe electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element.

FIG. 24 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 23, in that anelectrode 11 of a liquid crystal element is provided in a lower layer ofan electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element (in a layer provided apartfrom a liquid crystal layer 15).

It is to be noted that the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element isalso formed in a reflection portion 1001; however, the present inventionis not limited thereto. The electrode 12 of the liquid crystal elementmay be arranged at least in a transmission portion 1002.

When the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element is formed also inthe reflection portion 1001, the liquid crystal layer 15 is controlledby voltage between the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element andthe electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element also in the reflectionportion 1001. In such a case, the electrode 11 of the liquid crystalelement serves only as a reflecting electrode, and the electrode 12 ofthe liquid crystal element serves as a common electrode in thereflection portion 1001.

Therefore, in such a case, arbitrary voltage is supplied to theelectrode 11 of the liquid crystal element. The same voltage as thatsupplied to the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element may besupplied, or the same voltage as that supplied to the electrode 10 ofthe liquid crystal element may be supplied. In that case, a capacitor isto be formed between the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element andthe electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element, and the capacitor canserve as a storage capacitor for storing an image signal.

It is to be noted that a contact hole may be formed in an insulatinglayer 16 to connect the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element andthe electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element.

In FIG. 89, over an insulating layer 14, an electrode 11 of a liquidcrystal element in a reflection portion 1001 and an electrode 10 of theliquid crystal element in a transmission portion 1002 are formed. Then,an insulating layer 13 is formed over the electrode 11 of the liquidcrystal element, and an electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element in areflection portion is formed thereover. An electrode 12 of the liquidcrystal element is formed below the insulating layer 14.

It is to be noted that the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element isalso formed in the reflection portion 1001; however, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement may be arranged at least in the transmission portion 1002.

It is to be noted that a contact hole may be formed in the insulatinglayer 14 so as to connect the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal elementand the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element.

In FIGS. 20 to 24 and 89, the surface of the electrode is not shown asbeing uneven. However, as for the electrode 10 of the liquid crystalelement, the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element, and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element, the surface is not limitedto be flat and may be uneven.

In addition, in FIGS. 20 to 24 and 89, the surfaces of the insulatinglayer 13, the insulating layer 14, and the insulating layer 16 are notshown as being uneven. However, as for the insulating layer 13, theinsulating layer 14, and the insulating layer 16, the surfaces are notlimited to be flat and may be uneven.

It is to be noted that, by forming plural pieces of large unevenness onthe surface of the reflecting electrode, light can be diffused.Consequently, luminance of the display device can be improved.Therefore, the surfaces of the reflecting electrode and the transmittingelectrode (the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element) shown in FIGS. 20 to 24 and89 may be uneven.

It is to be noted that an uneven shape on the surface of the reflectingelectrode may be a shape which can diffuse light as much as possible.

In the transmission portion 1002, the transmitting electrode ispreferably not uneven so as not to disturb a direction, a distribution,and the like of an electric field. However, even when the transmittingelectrode is uneven, there is no problem when display is not adverselyaffected.

FIG. 25 shows the case where the surface of the reflecting electrode ofFIG. 20 is uneven, FIGS. 26 and 27 each show the case where the surfaceof the reflecting electrode of FIG. 21 is uneven, FIG. 28 shows the casewhere the surface of the reflecting electrode of FIG. 22 is uneven, FIG.29 shows the case where the surface of the reflecting electrode of FIG.23 is uneven, and FIG. 30 shows the case where the surface of thereflecting electrode of FIG. 24 is uneven.

Accordingly, the description on the cases where the surface of thereflecting electrode is not uneven in FIGS. 20 to 24 and 89 can also beapplied to the cases of FIGS. 25 to 30.

FIG. 25 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 20, in that ascatterer 17 having a convex shape is provided below an electrode 11 ofa liquid crystal element. When the scatterer 17 having a convex shape isprovided and the surface of the electrode 11 of the liquid crystalelement is made uneven, light can be scattered, and reduction incontrast due to reflection of light or reflecting can be prevented,thereby improving luminance.

It is preferable that the scatterer 17 has a shape which can diffuselight as much as possible. However, since an electrode or a wiring isarranged over the scatterer 17 in some cases, a smooth shape which doesnot disconnect the electrode or the wiring is desirable.

FIG. 26 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 25, in that anelectrode 11 of a liquid crystal element and an electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element are stacked.

Since an area where the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element andthe electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element are in close contact islarge, contact resistance can be reduced.

FIG. 27 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 26, in that ascatterer 17 is provided between an electrode 11 of a liquid crystalelement and an electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element.

Since the scatterer 17 is formed after the electrode 12 of the liquidcrystal element is formed, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement can be flat in a transmission portion 1002.

FIG. 28 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 22, in that ascatterer 17 having a convex shape is provided below an electrode 11 ofa liquid crystal element.

FIG. 29 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 23, in thatpart of a surface of an insulating layer 16 is uneven. A surface of anelectrode 11 of a liquid crystal element is made uneven in accordancewith such a shape of the insulating layer 16.

FIG. 30 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 24, in that aninsulating layer 18 of which part of the surface is uneven is providedbelow an electrode 11 of a liquid crystal element, and thus, the surfaceof the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element is made uneven.

In FIGS. 20 to 30 and 89, the insulating layer 13 for adjusting athickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 is formed below the electrode10 of the liquid crystal element; however, the present invention is notlimited thereto. As shown in FIG. 84, the insulating layer 13 foradjusting a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 may be arrangedover the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element. FIG. 84 correspondsto FIG. 20. Also in FIGS. 21 to 30 and 89, the insulating layer 13 foradjusting a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 can be arrangedover the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element, similarly to FIG.84.

In FIGS. 20 to 30, 89, and 84, the insulating layer 13 for adjusting athickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 is arranged on the substrateside provided with the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element;however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The insulatinglayer 13 for adjusting a thickness may also be arranged on the countersubstrate side.

When the insulating layer 13 for adjusting a thickness of the liquidcrystal layer 15 is arranged on the counter substrate side, theelectrodes 10 of the liquid crystal element can be arranged in the sameplane in both the reflection portion 1001 and the transmission portion1002. Therefore, distances between the pixel electrode and the commonelectrode can be almost the same in the transmission portion 1002 and inthe reflection portion 1001. A direction, a distribution, intensity, andthe like of an electric field are changed depending on a distancebetween electrodes. Therefore, when the distances between the electrodesare almost the same, electric fields applied to the liquid crystal layer15 can be almost the same in the reflection portion 1001 and thetransmission portion 1002; thus, it is possible to precisely control theliquid crystal molecule. In addition, since degrees of liquid crystalmolecule rotation are almost the same in the reflection portion 1001 andthe transmission portion 1002, an image can be displayed with almost thesame gradation in the case of display as a transmission type and in thecase of display as a reflection type.

In addition, the insulating layer 13 for adjusting a thickness of theliquid crystal layer 15 can cause a disordered alignment mode of theliquid crystal molecule in the neighborhood thereof, and a defect suchas disclination is possibly generated. However, when the insulatinglayer 13 for adjusting a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 isarranged over the counter substrate, the insulating layer 13 foradjusting a thickness can be apart from the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element. Accordingly, a low electric field is applied, therebypreventing a disordered alignment mode of the liquid crystal moleculeand a hard-to-see screen.

Further, over the counter electrode, only a color filter, a blackmatrix, and the like are formed; thus, the number of steps is small.Accordingly, even when the insulating layer 13 for adjusting a thicknessof the liquid crystal layer 15 is formed over the counter substrate, theyield is not easily reduced. Even if a defect is generated, not so muchmanufacturing cost is wasted because of the small number of steps andinexpensive cost.

FIG. 31 shows the case where the counter substrate of FIG. 20 isprovided with a film for adjusting a thickness, FIG. 32 shows the casewhere the counter substrate of FIG. 21 is provided with a film foradjusting a thickness, FIG. 33 shows the case where the countersubstrate of FIG. 22 is provided with a film for adjusting a thickness,FIG. 34 shows the case where the counter substrate of FIG. 23 isprovided with a film for adjusting a thickness, and FIG. 35 shows thecase where the counter substrate of FIG. 24 is provided with a film foradjusting a thickness.

Therefore, the description on FIGS. 20 to 24, 89, and 84 can also beapplied to the cases of FIGS. 31 to 35.

FIG. 31 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 20, in that aninsulating layer 19 for adjusting a thickness of a liquid crystal layer15 is provided on a side opposite to an electrode 10 of a liquid crystalelement with the liquid crystal layer 15 interposed therebetween in areflection portion 1001, and further, the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element is provided over an insulating layer 14.

FIG. 32 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 21, in that aninsulating layer 19 for adjusting a thickness of a liquid crystal layer15 is provided on a side opposite to an electrode 10 of a liquid crystalelement with the liquid crystal layer 15 interposed therebetween in areflection portion 1001, and further, the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element is provided over an insulating layer 14.

FIG. 33 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 22, in that aninsulating layer 19 for adjusting a thickness of a liquid crystal layer15 is provided on a side opposite to an electrode 10 of a liquid crystalelement with the liquid crystal layer 15 interposed therebetween in areflection portion 1001, and further, the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element is provided over an insulating layer 14.

FIG. 34 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 23, in that aninsulating layer 19 for adjusting a thickness of a liquid crystal layer15 is provided on a side opposite to an electrode 10 of a liquid crystalelement with the liquid crystal layer 15 interposed therebetween in areflection portion 1001, and further, the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element is provided over an insulating layer 14.

FIG. 35 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 25, in that aninsulating layer 19 for adjusting a thickness of a liquid crystal layer15 is provided on a side opposite to an electrode 10 of a liquid crystalelement with the liquid crystal layer 15 interposed therebetween in areflection portion 1001, and further, the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element is provided over an insulating layer 14.

In FIGS. 31 to 35, the surface of the electrode is not shown as beinguneven. However, as for the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element,the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element, and the electrode 12 ofthe liquid crystal element, the surface is not limited to be flat andmay be uneven.

In addition, in FIGS. 31 to 35, the surfaces of the insulating layer 14and the insulating layer 16 are not shown as being uneven. However, asfor the insulating layer 14, the insulating layer 16, and the like, thesurfaces are not limited to be flat and may be uneven.

It is to be noted that, by forming plural pieces of large unevenness onthe surface of the reflecting electrode, light can be diffused.Consequently, luminance of the display device can be improved.Therefore, the surfaces of the reflecting electrode and the transmittingelectrode (the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element) shown in FIGS. 31 to 35 maybe uneven.

It is to be noted that an uneven shape on the surface of the reflectingelectrode may be a shape which can diffuse light as much as possible.

In the transmission portion 1002, the transmitting electrode ispreferably not uneven so as not to disturb a direction, a distribution,and the like of an electric field. However, even when the transmittingelectrode is uneven, there is no problem when display is not adverselyaffected.

This is the same as in the case where FIGS. 25 to 30 respectivelycorrespond to FIGS. 20 to 24, 89, and 84 by providing the electrode withan uneven surface. That is, the surface of the reflecting electrode maybe uneven in FIGS. 31 to 35. FIG. 36 shows an example in which thesurface of the reflecting electrode of FIG. 31 is uneven. The same alsoapplies to FIGS. 32 to 35.

It is to be noted that the description in FIG. 31 on the case where thesurface of the reflecting electrode is not uneven can also be applied tothe case of FIG. 36.

FIG. 36 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 31, in that aninsulating layer 19 for adjusting a thickness of a liquid crystal layer15 is provided on a side opposite to an electrode 10 of a liquid crystalelement with the liquid crystal layer 15 interposed therebetween, andfurther, the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element is provided overan insulating layer 14.

In FIGS. 20 to 36, 84, and 89, the insulating layer 13 for adjusting athickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 is arranged on the substrateside provided with the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element or onthe counter substrate side; however, the present invention is notlimited thereto. The insulating layer 13 for adjusting a thickness ofthe liquid crystal layer 15 is not required to be arranged. FIG. 85shows such a case. FIG. 85 corresponds to FIGS. 20 and 31. Also in FIGS.20 to 36, 84, and 89, which are the cases other than FIGS. 20 and 31,the insulating layer 13 for adjusting a thickness of the liquid crystallayer 15 is not required to be arranged, similarly to FIG. 85.

When the insulating layer 13 for adjusting a thickness of the liquidcrystal layer 15 is not arranged, a traveling distance of light whichpasses through the liquid crystal layer is different in the reflectionportion and the transmission portion. Therefore, an object which changesa polarized state of light, such as a wave plate (such as a λ/4 plate)or a material which has refractive index anisotropy (such as liquidcrystal) is preferably arranged in a path through which light passes.For example, when the wave plate is arranged between the polarizingplate and the counter substrate on a side of the counter substrate,which is not in contact with the liquid crystal layer, the sametransmission state of light can be made in the reflection portion andthe transmission portion.

In FIGS. 20 to 36, 84, 85, and 89 or in the description up to here, inthe transmission portion 1002, the electrodes 10 of the liquid crystalelement are formed in the same plane in some cases; however, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The electrodes 10 of the liquidcrystal element may also be formed in different planes.

Similarly, in FIGS. 20 to 36, 84, 85, and 89 or in the description up tohere, in the reflection portion 1001, the electrodes 10 of the liquidcrystal element are formed in the same plane in some cases; however, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. The electrodes 10 of theliquid crystal element may also be formed in different planes.

In FIGS. 20 to 36, 84, 85, and 89 or in the description up to here, inthe reflection portion 1001, the electrode 11 of the liquid crystalelement and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element have a planarshape and are formed entirely in the pixel portion in some cases;however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The electrode 11of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement may also have a comb-shape having a slit or a gap.

In FIGS. 20 to 36, 84, 85, and 89 or in the description up to here, inthe transmission portion 1002, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement has a planar shape and is formed entirely in the pixel portionin some cases; however, the present invention is not limited thereto.The electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element may also have acomb-shape having a slit or a gap.

In FIGS. 20 to 36, 84, 85, and 89 or in the description up to here, inthe reflection portion 1001, the electrode 11 of the liquid crystalelement and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element are arrangedbelow the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element in some cases;however, the present invention is not limited thereto. As far as theelectrode 11 of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element have a comb-shape having a slit or a gap, theymay be formed in the same plane as that of the electrode 10 of theliquid crystal element or over the electrode 10 of the liquid crystalelement.

The case where the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element has acomb-shape having a slit or a gap in the transmission portion isdescribed. In this case, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal elementcan be formed concurrently with the electrode 10 of the liquid crystalelement in some cases. Consequently, the manufacturing process can besimplified, the number of steps can be reduced, and the number of masks(the number of reticles) can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost can bereduced.

FIG. 37 shows the case where, in the transmission portion 1002 of FIG.31, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element has a comb-shapehaving a slit or a gap, FIG. 38 shows the case where, in thetransmission portion 1002 of FIG. 89, the electrode 12 of the liquidcrystal element has a comb-shape having a slit or a gap, FIG. 87 showsthe case where, in the transmission portion 1002 of FIG. 20, theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element has a comb-shape having aslit or a gap, FIG. 88 shows the case where, in the transmission portion1002 of FIG. 84, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element has acomb-shape having a slit or a gap, and FIG. 90 shows the case where, inthe transmission portion 1002 of FIG. 85, the electrode 12 of the liquidcrystal element has a comb-shape having a slit or a gap.

Similarly to FIGS. 37, 38, 87, 88, and 90 corresponding to FIGS. 31, 89,20, 84, and 85 respectively, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement can have a comb-shape having a slit or a gap in the transmissionportion 1002 in FIGS. 20 to 36, 84, 85, and 89 or in the description upto here.

FIG. 37 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 31, in thatboth an electrode 10 of a liquid crystal element and an electrode 12 ofthe liquid crystal element are formed over an insulating layer 14 in atransmission portion 1002.

FIG. 86 shows a state where an electric field is applied between theelectrodes of the liquid crystal element of FIG. 87. In a reflectionportion 1001 where display is performed by reflection of light, when apotential difference is generated between an electrode 10 of a liquidcrystal element and an electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element,liquid crystal molecules (15 a and 15 b) contained in a liquid crystallayer 15 rotate parallel to the plane of the electrodes 10 and 11 of theliquid crystal element (i.e. in a plane parallel to the substrate), andit becomes possible to control the amount of light which passes throughthe liquid crystal layer 15. More precisely, it becomes possible tocontrol a polarized state of light, and the liquid crystal molecules (15a and 15 b) can control the amount of light which passes through apolarizing plate provided on an outer side of the substrate. FIG. 86corresponds to FIG. 18A and FIG. 93A. The liquid crystal molecules (15 aand 15 b) shown in FIG. 86 rotate in the manner similar to those shownin FIGS. 18A to 18B and 93A to 93B. Light that has entered the liquidcrystal display device from outside passes through the liquid crystallayer 15, reflects at the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal element,passes through the liquid crystal layer 15 again, and is emitted fromthe liquid crystal display device.

In addition, in a transmission portion 1002 where display is performedby transmission of light, when a potential difference is generatedbetween the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element and an electrode12 of the liquid crystal element, liquid crystal molecules (15 c and 15d) contained in the liquid crystal layer 15 rotate parallel to the planeof the electrodes 10 and 12 of the liquid crystal element (i.e. in aplane parallel to the substrate), and it becomes possible to control theamount of light which passes through the liquid crystal layer 15. Moreprecisely, it becomes possible to control a polarized state of light,and the liquid crystal molecules (15 c and 15 d) can control the amountof light which passes through a polarizing plate provided on an outerside of the substrate. FIG. 86 corresponds to FIG. 18A and FIG. 93A. Theliquid crystal molecules (15 c and 15 d) shown in FIG. 86 rotate in themanner similar to those shown in FIGS. 18A to 18B and 93A to 93B. Lightthat has entered the liquid crystal display device from a backlightpasses through the liquid crystal layer 15 and is emitted from theliquid crystal display device.

In FIG. 37, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 10 of the liquid crystal element are formed in the same plane.Therefore, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element can be formedconcurrently with the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element.Consequently, the manufacturing process can be simplified, the number ofsteps can be reduced, and the number of masks (the number of reticles)can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost can be reduced.

FIG. 38 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device having astructure in which an insulating layer 13 is provided over an electrode11 of a liquid crystal element, and an electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element and an electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element areformed in the same layer in a transmission portion 1002. A mode of aliquid crystal display device is shown, which is different from theliquid crystal display device of FIG. 89, in that both the electrode 10of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement are formed over an insulating layer 14 in the transmissionportion 1002. In such a manner, the insulating layer 13 may be formedbetween a pair of electrodes of the liquid crystal element in areflection portion 1001, and a pair of electrodes of the liquid crystalelement may be formed in the same layer in the transmission portion1002.

In FIG. 38, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 10 of the liquid crystal element are formed after theinsulating layer 13 is formed. Accordingly, the electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element can be formed concurrently with the electrode 10of the liquid crystal element. Consequently, the manufacturing processcan be simplified, the number of steps can be reduced, and the number ofmasks (the number of reticles) can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost canbe reduced.

FIG. 87 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device having astructure in which an insulating layer 14 is provided over an electrode11 of a liquid crystal element, and an electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element and an electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element areformed in the same layer. A mode of a liquid crystal display device isshown, which is different from the liquid crystal display device of FIG.20, in that both the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element are formed over theinsulating layer 14 in the transmission portion 1002. In such a manner,the insulating layer may be formed between a pair of electrodes of theliquid crystal element in a reflection portion 1001, and a pair ofelectrodes of the liquid crystal element may be formed in the same layerin the transmission portion 1002.

In FIG. 87, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 10 of the liquid crystal element are formed after theinsulating layer 13 is formed. Accordingly, the electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element can be formed concurrently with the electrode 10of the liquid crystal element. Consequently, the manufacturing processcan be simplified, the number of steps can be reduced, and the number ofmasks (the number of reticles) can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost canbe reduced.

FIG. 88 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device having astructure in which an insulating layer 14 is provided over an electrode11 of a liquid crystal element, and an electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element and an electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element areformed in the same layer. A mode of a liquid crystal display device isshown, which is different from the liquid crystal display device of FIG.84, in that both the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element are formed over theinsulating layer 14 in the transmission portion 1002. In such a manner,the insulating layer 14 may be formed between a pair of electrodes ofthe liquid crystal element in a reflection portion 1001, and a pair ofelectrodes of the liquid crystal element may be formed in the same layerin the transmission portion 1002.

In FIG. 88, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 10 of the liquid crystal element can be formed after theinsulating layer 14 is formed. Accordingly, the electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element can be formed concurrently with the electrode 10of the liquid crystal element. Consequently, the manufacturing processcan be simplified, the number of steps can be reduced, and the number ofmasks (the number of reticles) can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost canbe reduced.

FIG. 90 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device having astructure in which an insulating layer 14 is provided over an electrode11 of a liquid crystal element, and an electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element and an electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element areformed in the same layer. A mode of a liquid crystal display device isshown, which is different from the liquid crystal display device of FIG.85, in that both the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 12 of the liquid crystal element are formed over theinsulating layer 14 in a transmission portion 1002. In such a manner,the insulating layer 14 may be formed between a pair of electrodes ofthe liquid crystal element in a reflection portion 1001, and a pair ofelectrodes of the liquid crystal element may be formed in the same layerin the transmission portion 1002.

In FIG. 90, the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 10 of the liquid crystal element can be formed after theinsulating layer 14 is formed. Accordingly, the electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element can be formed concurrently with the electrode 10of the liquid crystal element. Consequently, the manufacturing processcan be simplified, the number of steps can be reduced, and the number ofmasks (the number of reticles) can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost canbe reduced.

FIG. 39 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 31, in that anelectrode 10 of a liquid crystal element and an electrode 12 of theliquid crystal element are formed in different layers with an insulatinglayer 14 interposed therebetween, and the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element donot overlap with each other.

It is to be noted that the electrode 11 of the liquid crystal elementand the electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element may be formedconcurrently.

It is to be noted that, in a transmission portion 1002, the electrode 10of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 12 of the liquid crystalelement may be reversed. In other words, the electrode in one positionis moved to the other position, and the electrode in the other positionis moved to the one position.

Similarly to FIGS. 25 to 30 corresponding to FIGS. 20 to 24, thereflecting electrode can be uneven also in FIGS. 37, 38, 87, 88, 90, andthe similar drawings.

FIG. 40 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 37, in that ascatterer 17 having a convex shape is provided below an electrode 11 ofa liquid crystal element.

FIG. 41 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 38, in that ascatterer 17 having a convex shape is provided below an electrode 11 ofa liquid crystal element.

FIG. 42 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, which isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 39, in that ascatterer 17 having a convex shape is provided below an electrode 11 ofa liquid crystal element.

In the structures described above such as FIGS. 20 to 42, 83 to 90, andin the combination thereof, a color filter may be provided over thecounter substrate arranged over the liquid crystal layer 15, or over thesubstrate provided with the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element.

For example, a color filter may be provided in the insulating layer 13,the insulating layer 14, the insulating layer 16, the insulating layer18, the insulating layer 19, or the like, or in part thereof.

It is to be noted that a black matrix may be provided in the mannersimilar to the color filter. Both the color filter and the black matrixmay also be provided as a matter of course.

In such a manner, when the insulating layer is made to be the colorfilter or the black matrix, material cost can be saved.

In addition, when the color filter, the black matrix, or the like isarranged over the substrate provided with the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element, a margin of alignment with the counter substrate can beimproved.

It is to be noted that the position, the type, and the shape of theelectrode of the liquid crystal element, and the position and the shapeof the insulating layer can have various modes. In other words, variousmodes can be provided by combining the position of the electrode of theliquid crystal element in a certain drawing with the position of theinsulating layer in another drawing. For example, FIG. 25 shows theelectrode 11 of the liquid crystal element in FIG. 20, of which theshape is changed into an uneven shape, and FIG. 87 shows the electrode12 of the liquid crystal element in FIG. 20, of which the position andthe shape are changed. In the drawings as shown above, by combiningvarious components, a great number of modes can be provided.

Embodiment Mode 3

One mode of an active matrix liquid crystal display device according tothe present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

It is to be noted that, in the present invention, a transistor is notalways essential. Therefore, the present invention can also be appliedto a so-called passive matrix display device which is not provided witha transistor.

This embodiment mode will describe an example, where the structuredescribed in Embodiment Mode 1 or Embodiment Mode 2 or a structurerealized by combination of the components shown in the drawings isprovided with a transistor.

As shown in FIG. 1, a transistor 151 and an electrode 103 of a liquidcrystal element are each formed over a substrate 101.

The transistor 151 includes an insulating layer 105 between a gateelectrode 102 and a semiconductor layer 106 and is a bottom gatetransistor in which the gate electrode 102 is provided below thesemiconductor layer 106. The gate electrode 102 is formed by using, forexample, metal such as molybdenum, aluminum, tungsten, titanium, copper,silver, or chromium; alloy combining metal such as a material containingaluminum and neodymium; a material containing metal and nitrogen; or aconductive material such as metal nitride, e.g. titanium nitride,tantalum nitride, molybdenum nitride, or the like. It is to be notedthat the gate electrode 102 may be a single layer or a multilayer. Inaddition, the insulating layer 105 is formed by using, for example, aninsulating material such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride. It is tobe noted that the insulating layer 105 may be a single layer or amultilayer. Further, the semiconductor layer 106 is formed by using asemiconductor such as silicon or silicon germanium. A crystalcharacteristic of these semiconductors is not particularly limited andmay be amorphous or polycrystalline.

Over the semiconductor layer 106, a protective film 107 is provided soas to cover part of the semiconductor layer 106. Further, over thesemiconductor layer 106, a wiring 108 (108 a, 108 b) and a wiring 109(109 a and 109 b) are each provided so as to be electrically connectedto the semiconductor layer 106. The protective film 107 is provided toprevent the semiconductor layer 106 from being etched by etching to formthe wirings 108 and 109 and is formed by using, for example, aninsulating material such as silicon nitride. It is to be noted that theprotective film 107 is also referred to as a channel-protecting film, achannel stop film, or the like. Furthermore, a transistor including sucha protective film 107 is referred to as a channel-protecting transistor.In the wiring 108, a semiconductor layer containing an impurity whichimparts n-type conductivity (hereinafter referred to as an n-typesemiconductor layer 108 a) and a conductive layer 108 b are stacked. Then-type semiconductor layer 108 a is formed by using a semiconductor suchas silicon containing phosphorus, arsenic, or the like as an impurity.In addition, the conductive layer 108 b is formed by using, for example,metal such as molybdenum, aluminum, tungsten, titanium, silver, copper,or chromium; alloy containing aluminum and neodymium; or a conductivematerial such as metal nitride, e.g. titanium nitride, tantalum nitride,molybdenum nitride, or the like. It is to be noted that the conductivelayer 108 b may be a single layer or a multilayer.

The electrode 103 of the liquid crystal element has a structure in whicha conductive layer 103 a and a conductive layer 103 b are stacked. Inorder to transmit light from a backlight, the conductive layer 103 a isformed by using a light-transmitting and conductive material such asindium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide, or zinc oxide. It is to benoted that each of these materials is generally referred to as atransmitting electrode material. In addition to the transmittingelectrode material, a silicon film, which is formed to be thin enough totransmit light and has conductivity by containing an impurity, can alsobe used as the conductive layer 103 a. The conductive layer 103 b isprovided to reflect light that enters a liquid crystal display device.In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment mode, theconductive layer 103 b is formed by using the same material as that ofthe gate electrode 102 and concurrently with the gate electrode 102.However, the gate electrode 102 and the conductive layer 103 b are notalways required to be formed by using the same material and may beformed by using different materials in different steps.

An insulating layer 110 is provided over and to cover the transistor151, the wiring 108, the wiring 109, and the electrode 103 of the liquidcrystal element. A contact hole is provided in the insulating layer 110.The insulating layer 110 is formed by using, for example, an insulatingmaterial such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, acrylic, or polyimide.It is to be noted that the insulating layer 110 may be a single layer ora multilayer. For example, when a layer formed by using acrylic,polyimide, or the like is provided over a layer formed by using siliconoxide and/or silicon nitride, flatness of the insulating layer 110 canbe enhanced, and disordered alignment of a liquid crystal molecule canbe prevented. An electrode 111 of the liquid crystal element providedover the insulating layer 110 is electrically connected to the wiring109 through the contact hole provided in the insulating layer 110.Further, an alignment film 112 is provided over the insulating layer110.

As the insulating layer 110, an inorganic material or an organicmaterial can be used. As an inorganic material, silicon oxide or siliconnitride can be used. As an organic material, polyimide, acrylic,polyamide, polyimide amide, resist, benzocyclobutene, siloxane, orpolysilazane can be used. Siloxane includes a skeleton structure formedby a bond of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O). An organic group containing atleast hydrogen (such as an alkyl group or aromatic hydrocarbon) is usedas a substituent. Alternatively, a fluoro group may be used as thesubstituent. Further alternatively, a fluoro group and an organic groupcontaining at least hydrogen may be used as the substituent. It is to benoted that polysilazane is formed by using a polymer material having abond of silicon (Si) and nitrogen (N) as a starting material.

It is preferable to use an organic material for the insulating layersince flatness of the surface thereof can be enhanced. When an inorganicmaterial is used for the insulating layer, the surface thereof followsthe surface shape of the semiconductor layer or the gate electrode. Alsoin this case, the insulating layer can be flat by being thickened.

As described above, a circuit for driving the liquid crystal displaydevice is provided over the substrate 101. A substrate 121 provided soas to face the substrate 101 has a light-shielding layer 122 whichoverlaps with the transistor 151. The light-shielding layer 122 isformed by using, for example, a conductive material such as tungsten,chromium, or molybdenum; silicide such as tungsten silicide; or a resinmaterial containing black pigment or carbon black. In addition, a colorfilter 123 is provided so as to overlap with the electrode 103 of theliquid crystal element and the electrode 111 of the liquid crystalelement. An alignment film 124 is further provided over the color filter123. A gap-adjusting film 126 is provided between the alignment film 124and the color filter 123.

A liquid crystal layer 125 is provided between the substrate 101 and thesubstrate 121. The liquid crystal layer 125 includes a liquid crystalmolecule rotating almost parallel to the substrate plane when voltage isapplied so that a potential difference is generated between theelectrode 103 of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 111 of theliquid crystal element. In addition, a thickness d₁ of the liquidcrystal layer 125 in a transmission portion 161 where display isperformed by transmission of light from a backlight is adjusted by thegap-adjusting film 126 so as to be approximately the double of athickness d₂ of the liquid crystal layer 125 in a reflection portion 162where display is performed by reflection of external light such assunlight or light from a front light. By adjusting a thickness of theliquid crystal layer 125 as described above, an image with high contrastcan be displayed. The gap-adjusting film 126 is formed by using alight-transmitting resin so as to transmit visible light. It is to benoted that the gap-adjusting film 126 preferably contains a particle 129which serves as a scattering material so as to prevent reflecting due toreflection or to improve luminance by diffusing light (FIG. 13). Theparticle 129 is formed by using a light-transmitting resin materialwhich has a different refractive index from a base material (such as anacrylic resin) forming the gap-adjusting film 126. When thegap-adjusting film 126 contains the particle 129 as described above,light can be scattered, and contrast and luminance of the display imagecan be improved. In addition, polarizing plates 127 a and 127 b areprovided over the substrate 101 and the substrate 121, respectively. Thepolarizing plates 127 a and 127 b are respectively provided on sides ofthe substrate 101 and the substrate 121, which are opposite to sidesprovided with the liquid crystal layer 125.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the liquid crystal display device accordingto the present invention as described above. In FIG. 2, across-sectional structure of a portion denoted by a broken line A-A′corresponds to a cross-sectional structure described with reference toFIG. 1. It is to be noted that, in FIG. 2, the same reference numeralsare used for the same portions as those in FIG. 1.

As is clear from FIG. 2, the gate electrode 102 is part of a gate line131. In the gate line 131, particularly, a portion which serves as anelectrode for switching the transistor 151 is the gate electrode 102. Inaddition, the wiring 108 is part of a source line 133. A portion whichextends from the source line 133 provided so as to intersect with thegate line and is electrically connected to the semiconductor layer 106of the transistor 151 is the wiring 109. A common wiring 132 is a wiringwhich is electrically connected to the electrode 103 of the liquidcrystal element and led so that the electrodes 103 of the liquid crystalelements in a plurality of pixels in the liquid crystal display devicehave the same potential. The electrode 103 of the liquid crystal elementelectrically connected to the common wiring is also referred to as acommon electrode in general. On the other hand, the electrode 111 of theliquid crystal element of which potential changes at any time inaccordance with potential from the source line is referred to as a pixelelectrode in general. In this embodiment mode, the conductive layer 103a and the conductive layer 103 b are formed together with the gate line131 and the common wiring 132. It is to be noted that a portion wherethe conductive layer 103 a and the electrode 111 of the liquid crystalelement are stacked; and a portion where the conductive layer 103 b andthe electrode 111 of the liquid crystal element are stacked can eachserve as a capacitor.

In the liquid crystal display device, a plurality of pixels having thestructure described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are arranged in amatrix. Each pixel receives a signal from the gate line 131 and thesource line 133. By the signal, the transistor is turned on, andfurther, when a potential difference is generated between the electrode103 of the liquid crystal element and the electrode 111 of the liquidcrystal element (that is, when a horizontal electric field isgenerated), the liquid crystal molecule contained in the liquid crystallayer 125 rotates almost parallel to the substrate plane. The rotationof the liquid crystal molecule makes light transmit through the liquidcrystal layer 125. Then, light which has transmitted through the liquidcrystal layer 125 in each pixel is combined, thereby displaying animage.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a channel-protecting transistor isshown; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Achannel-etched transistor without the channel protective film 107 mayalso be employed.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a bottom gate transistor is shown;however, the present invention is not limited thereto. A top gatetransistor (including a planar transistor) may also be employed.

It is to be noted that the description of Embodiment Mode 1 andEmbodiment mode 2 can be freely applied to this embodiment mode.

Embodiment Mode 4

Embodiment Mode 3 shows a mode in which the electrode 103 of the liquidcrystal element (a so-called pixel electrode), to which a signal isinputted from the source line 133 through the transistor 151, and theelectrode 111 of the liquid crystal element (a so-called commonelectrode), which is electrically connected to the common wiring 132,are formed in different layers. On the other hand, this embodiment modewill describe a mode including a structure in which a pair of electrodesof a liquid crystal element are provided in the same layer and astructure in which a pair of electrodes of a liquid crystal element areprovided in different layers, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. It is tobe noted that FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to across-sectional structure of FIG. 4, taken along a broken line B-B′.

As is clear from FIG. 4, in this embodiment mode, a common wiring 232 isformed in the same layer as that of a gate line 231. It is to be notedthat the common wiring 232 is provided in each pixel, and the commonwiring 232 provided in each pixel is electrically connected to anelectrode 203 of a liquid crystal element and an electrode 204 of theliquid crystal element.

As is clear from FIG. 4, the electrode 203 of the liquid crystal elementand an electrode 211 of the liquid crystal element are alternatelyarranged. As can be seen from a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, theelectrode 211 of the liquid crystal element is electrically connected toa transistor 251 through a wiring 209. On the other hand, the electrode203 of the liquid crystal element is electrically connected to thecommon wiring 232 through a wiring 234.

Similarly to the transistor 151 described in Embodiment Mode 3, thetransistor 251 is a bottom gate transistor in which an insulating layer205 is provided over a gate electrode 202, and a semiconductor layer 206is further provided over the insulating layer 205 (FIG. 3). Materialsfor the semiconductor layer 206, the insulating layer 205, and the gateelectrode 202 included in the transistor 251 are similar to thematerials for the semiconductor layer 106, the insulating layer 105, andthe gate electrode 102 described in Embodiment Mode 3, respectively;therefore, the description is omitted.

In this embodiment mode, an electrode 204 of the liquid crystal element,which also serves as a reflecting film, is formed concurrently with thegate electrode 202 of the transistor 251. Therefore, in this embodimentmode, the electrode 204 of the liquid crystal element and the gateelectrode 202 are formed by using the same material. It is to be notedthat the electrode 204 of the liquid crystal element is not alwaysrequired to be formed concurrently with the gate electrode 202 and thegate line 231. For example, the electrode 204 of the liquid crystalelement is formed concurrently with a wiring 208, a wiring 209, and asource line 233. The transistor 251 and the electrode 204 of the liquidcrystal element are covered with an insulating layer 210 provided with acontact hole. Over the insulating layer 210, the electrode 203 of theliquid crystal element and the electrode 211 of the liquid crystalelement, which are formed using a light-transmitting and conductivematerial, are formed. In particular, the electrode 211 of the liquidcrystal element is electrically connected to the semiconductor layer 206through the contact hole and the wiring 209. The semiconductor layer 206is electrically connected to the source line 233 through the wiring 208on a side opposite to the side electrically connected to the electrode211 of the liquid crystal element, with the gate electrode 202interposed. It is to be noted that the surface of the insulating layer210 covering the transistor 251 and the like may be flattened as shownin FIG. 3. A method for flattening the surface of the insulating layer210 is not particularly limited, and the surface may be flattened bybeing polished by a chemical mechanical polishing method (CMP) or may beflattened by a method utilizing fluidity of liquid in which a liquidresin material or the like is applied by a spin coating method or thelike. In the case where an impurity which lowers performance of thetransistor is contained in the resin material or the liquid crystallayer, in order to prevent diffusion of the impurity, an insulatinglayer containing silicon nitride is preferably provided between thetransistor 251 and the insulating layer formed using a resin material,thereby preventing the impurity from diffusing into the transistor 251.

As is clear from FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrode 204 of the liquid crystalelement is provided so as to overlap with part of the electrode 211 ofthe liquid crystal element. Therefore, a capacitor is formed using thesetwo electrodes. The capacitor corresponds to a storage capacitor and canstore an image signal. In a transmission portion 261 where the electrode204 of the liquid crystal element is not provided, display is performedby transmission of light from a backlight. On the other hand, in areflection portion 262 where the electrode 204 of the liquid crystalelement is provided, display is performed by reflection of externallight such as sunlight at the electrode 204 of the liquid crystalelement.

Over the electrodes 203 and 211 of the liquid crystal element, analignment film 212 is provided. In addition, a substrate 221 is providedso as to face the substrate 201 provided with the transistor 251, theelectrode 203 of the liquid crystal element, the electrode 211 of theliquid crystal element, and the like, with the liquid crystal layer 225interposed therebetween. Similarly to the substrate 121 described inEmbodiment Mode 3, the substrate 221 may have a light-shielding layer222 which overlaps with the transistor 251, a color filter 223 providedin a region where light is transmitted, a gap-adjusting film 226provided so as to overlap with the reflection portion 262, and analignment film 224 provided to align the liquid crystal molecule. Alsoin this embodiment mode, a thickness d₁ of the liquid crystal layer 225in the transmission portion 261 is adjusted by the gap-adjusting film226 so as to be almost the double of a thickness d2 of the liquidcrystal layer 225 in the reflection portion 262 where display isperformed by reflection of external light such as sunlight. Similarly toEmbodiment Mode 1, the gap-adjusting film 226 may contain a particle toscatter light. In addition, polarizing plates 227 a and 227 b areprovided over the substrate 201 and the substrate 221, respectively. Thepolarizing plates 227 a and 227 b are respectively provided on sides ofthe substrate 201 and the substrate 221, which are opposite to sidesprovided with the liquid crystal layer 225.

In the liquid crystal display device having the structure as describedabove, when the transistor 251 is turned on by input of a signal fromthe gate line 231, potential of the source line 233 is transmitted tothe electrode 211 of the liquid crystal element. Consequently, apotential difference is generated between the electrode 211 of theliquid crystal element and the electrode 203 of the liquid crystalelement in the transmission portion 261, and the liquid crystal moleculecontained in the liquid crystal layer 225 rotates almost parallel to thesubstrate plane. In addition, a potential difference is generatedbetween the electrode 211 of the liquid crystal element and theelectrode 204 of the liquid crystal element in the reflection portion262, and the liquid crystal molecule contained in the liquid crystallayer 225 rotates almost parallel to the substrate plane. The rotationof the liquid crystal molecule makes light transmit through the liquidcrystal layer 225. Then, light which has transmitted through the liquidcrystal layer 225 in each pixel is combined, thereby displaying animage.

In the case of this structure, in the transmission portion 261, it isnot necessary to form a common electrode entirely in the pixel portion.A common electrode in the transmission portion 261 is the electrode 203of the liquid crystal element and can be formed concurrently with theelectrode 211 of the liquid crystal element. Therefore, compared to thecase where a common electrode is formed entirely in the pixel portion,the number of steps can be reduced, and the number of masks (the numberof reticles) can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost can be reduced.

Since this embodiment mode is slightly different from Embodiment Mode 3only regarding the electrode of the liquid crystal element, thedescription of Embodiment Mode 1 to Embodiment mode 3 can also beapplied to and combined with this embodiment mode.

Embodiment Mode 5

Embodiment Mode 3 and Embodiment Mode 4 describe the liquid crystaldisplay device in which the gap-adjusting film is provided over thesubstrate which face the substrate provided with the transistor, thewiring, the electrode of the liquid crystal element, and the like, withthe liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. This embodiment modewill describe a mode in which a gap-adjusting film is provided on asubstrate side provided with a transistor, a wiring, an electrode of aliquid crystal element, and the like with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Itis to be noted that FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to across-sectional structure of FIG. 6, taken along a broken line C-C′.

In addition, FIGS. 1 to 4 show the case of the bottom gate transistor;however, this embodiment mode will describe the case of a top gatetransistor.

In FIG. 5, a transistor 351 is provided over a substrate 301. Thetransistor 351 includes a semiconductor layer 306, a gate electrode 302,and an insulating layer 305 provided between the semiconductor layer 306and the gate electrode 302. In this embodiment mode, the transistor 351is a top gate transistor in which the gate electrode 302 is providedover the semiconductor layer 306. The transistor used in the presentinvention may be such a top gate transistor or a bottom gate transistoras shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. It is to be noted that the gate electrode 302is a portion which extends from a gate line 331 as is clear from FIG. 6and is electrically connected to the gate line 331.

The transistor 351 is covered with an insulating layer 310 provided witha contact hole. Over the insulating layer 310, a wiring 308, a wiring309, and a conductive layer 304 are provided. In this embodiment mode,the wiring 308, the wiring 309, and the conductive layer 304 are formedin the same step. The wiring 308 is a portion which extends from asource line 333 as is clear from FIG. 6 and is electrically connected tothe source line 333.

As a gap-adjusting film, an insulating layer 326 is provided so as tocover the transistor 351 and expose the edge of the conductive layer304. Over the insulating layer 326, an electrode 311 of a liquid crystalelement is formed by using a light-transmitting and conductive material.As is clear from FIG. 6, the electrode 311 of the liquid crystal elementalso extends to a portion over the insulating layer 310 (not shown inthe drawing), where the conductive layer 304 and the insulating layer326 are not provided. In addition to the electrode 311 of the liquidcrystal element, an electrode 303 of the liquid crystal element is alsoprovided over the insulating layer 310. The electrode 311 of the liquidcrystal element and the electrode 303 of the liquid crystal element arealternately arranged. As is clear from FIG. 6, part of the electrode 303of the liquid crystal element is stacked over and electrically connectedto the conductive layer 304. Furthermore, the conductive layer 304 iselectrically connected to a common wiring 332 which is provided in thesame layer as that of the gate line 331 through the contact holeprovided in the insulating layer 310. In other words, the electrode 303of the liquid crystal element is electrically connected to the commonwiring 332. In such a manner, the conductive layer 304 serves as areflecting film for performing display by reflection of light thatenters the liquid crystal display device as well as a wiring forelectrically connecting the electrode 303 of the liquid crystal elementand the common wiring 332.

Over the electrode 303 of the liquid crystal element and the electrode311 of the liquid crystal element, an alignment film 312 is provided.Further, a substrate 321 is provided so as to face the substrate 301provided with the transistor 351, the electrode 303 of the liquidcrystal element, the electrode 311 of the liquid crystal element, andthe like, with a liquid crystal layer 325 interposed therebetween. Thesubstrate 321 has a light-shielding layer 322 which overlaps with thetransistor 351, a color filter 323 provided in a region where light istransmitted, and an alignment film 324 provided to align the liquidcrystal molecule.

A thickness d₁ of the liquid crystal layer 325 in a transmission portion362 where display is performed by transmission of light from a backlightis adjusted by the insulating layer 326 so as to be approximately thedouble of a thickness d2 of the liquid crystal layer 325 in a reflectionportion 361 where display is performed by reflection of external lightsuch as sunlight. In addition, polarizing plates 327 a and 327 b areprovided over the substrate 301 and the substrate 321, respectively. Thepolarizing plates 327 a and 327 h are respectively provided on sides ofthe substrate 301 and the substrate 321, which are opposite to sidesprovided with the liquid crystal layer 325.

In the liquid crystal display device having the structure as describedabove, when the transistor 351 is turned on by input of a signal fromthe gate line 331, a signal from the source line 333 is transmitted tothe electrode 311 of the liquid crystal element. Consequently, apotential difference is generated between the electrode 311 of theliquid crystal element and the electrode 303 of the liquid crystalelement in the transmission portion 362, and the liquid crystal moleculecontained in the liquid crystal layer 325 rotates parallel to thesubstrate plane. In addition, a potential difference is generatedbetween the electrode 311 of the liquid crystal element and theconductive layer 304 in the reflection portion 361, and the liquidcrystal molecule contained in the liquid crystal layer 325 rotatesparallel to the substrate plane. The rotation of the liquid crystalmolecule makes light transmit through the liquid crystal layer 325.Then, light which has transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 325in each pixel is combined, thereby displaying an image.

In the case of this structure, in the transmission portion 362, it isnot necessary to form a common electrode entirely in the pixel portion.A common electrode in the transmission portion 362 is the electrode 303of the liquid crystal element and can be formed concurrently with theelectrode 311 of the liquid crystal element. Therefore, the number ofsteps can be reduced, and the number of masks (the number of reticles)can be reduced. Accordingly, the cost can be reduced.

Since this embodiment mode is slightly different from Embodiment Mode 4only regarding the transistor, the description of Embodiment Mode 1 toEmbodiment mode 4 can be applied to and combined with this embodimentmode.

Embodiment Mode 6

An electrode of a liquid crystal element (a first electrode), to whichpotential from a source line is transmitted, and an electrode of theliquid crystal element (a second electrode), to which potential from acommon wiring is transmitted, may be respectively provided in differentlayers with an insulating layer interposed therebetween as in the liquidcrystal display device described in Embodiment Mode 3. Alternatively,the first electrode and the second electrode may be provided over thesame insulating layer as in the liquid crystal display device describedin Embodiment Mode 4. Furthermore, as in a liquid crystal display devicein this embodiment mode, the first electrode and the second electrodemay be respectively provided in different layers with an insulatinglayer interposed therebetween in a portion where display is performed byreflection of light, whereas the first electrode and the secondelectrode may be provided over the same insulating layer in a portionwhere display is performed by transmission of light.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, this embodiment mode will describe amode of a liquid crystal display device in which a gap-adjusting film isprovided on a liquid crystal layer side, and an electrode of a liquidcrystal element, to which potential from a source line is transmitted,and an electrode of the liquid crystal element, to which potential froma common wiring is transmitted, are formed in the same layer both in aportion where display is performed by reflection of light and in aportion where display is performed by transmission of light. It is to benoted that FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to across-sectional structure of FIG. 8, taken along a broken line D-D′.

In FIG. 7, a transistor 451 is provided over a substrate 401. Thetransistor 451 includes a semiconductor layer 406, a gate electrode 402,and an insulating layer 405 provided between the semiconductor layer 406and the gate electrode 402. Also in this embodiment mode, similarly toEmbodiment Mode 5, the transistor 451 is a top gate transistor in whichthe gate electrode 402 is provided over the semiconductor layer 406. Asis clear from FIG. 8, the gate electrode 402 is a portion which extendsfrom a gate line 431 and is electrically connected to the gate line 431.

The transistor 451 is covered with an insulating layer 410 provided witha contact hole. Over the insulating layer 410, a wiring 408, a wiring409, and a conductive layer 404 are provided. In this embodiment mode,the wiring 408, the wiring 409, and the conductive layer 404 are formedin the same step. The wiring 408 is a portion which extends from asource line 433 as is clear from FIG. 8 and is electrically connected tothe source line 433. It is to be noted that the conductive layer 404 isused as a reflecting film for reflecting external light such assunlight.

As a gap-adjusting film, an insulating layer 426 is provided so as tocover the transistor 451 and the conductive layer 404. Over theinsulating layer 426, an electrode 411 of a liquid crystal element isprovided. As is clear from FIG. 8, the electrode 411 of the liquidcrystal element also extends to a portion over the insulating layer 410,where the conductive layer 404 and the insulating layer 426 are notprovided. In addition to the electrode 411 of the liquid crystalelement, an electrode 403 of the liquid crystal element is also providedover the insulating layer 410. The electrode 411 of the liquid crystalelement and the electrode 403 of the liquid crystal element arealternately arranged. Furthermore, the electrode 403 of the liquidcrystal element is electrically connected to a common wiring 432 whichis provided in the same layer as the source line through the contacthole provided in the insulating layer 426. In addition, the commonwiring 432 is provided in each pixel, and the common wirings 432provided in the pixels are electrically connected to each other througha wiring which extends from the electrode 403 of the liquid crystalelement and crosses over the source line 433.

Over the electrodes 403 and 411 of the liquid crystal element, analignment film 412 is provided. Further, a substrate 421 is provided soas to face the substrate 401 provided with the transistor 451, theelectrode 403 of the liquid crystal element, the electrode 411 of theliquid crystal element, and the like, with a liquid crystal layer 425interposed therebetween. Similarly to the substrate 121 described inEmbodiment Mode 3, the substrate 421 has a light-shielding layer 422which overlaps with the transistor 451, a color filter 423 provided in aregion where light is transmitted, and an alignment film 424 provided toalign the liquid crystal molecule.

A thickness d₁ of the liquid crystal layer 425 in a transmission portion462 where display is performed by transmission of light from a backlightis adjusted by the insulating layer 426 so as to be the double of athickness d₂ of the liquid crystal layer 425 in a reflection portion 461where display is performed by reflection of external light such assunlight. In addition, polarizing plates 427 a and 427 b are providedover the substrate 401 and the substrate 421, respectively. Thepolarizing plates 427 a and 427 b are respectively provided on sides ofthe substrate 401 and the substrate 421, which are opposite to sidesprovided with the liquid crystal layer 425.

In the liquid crystal display device having the structure as describedabove, when the transistor 451 is turned on by input of a signal fromthe gate line 431, a signal from the source line 433 is transmitted tothe electrode 411 of the liquid crystal element. Consequently, apotential difference is generated between the electrode 411 of theliquid crystal element and the electrode 403 of the liquid crystalelement in the transmission portion 462, and the liquid crystal moleculecontained in the liquid crystal layer 425 rotates parallel to thesubstrate plane. In addition, a potential difference is generatedbetween the electrode 411 of the liquid crystal element and theconductive layer 404 in the reflection portion 461, and the liquidcrystal molecule contained in the liquid crystal layer 425 rotatesparallel to the substrate plane. The rotation of the liquid crystalmolecule makes light transmit through the liquid crystal layer 425.Then, light which has transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 425in each pixel is combined, thereby displaying an image.

Embodiment Mode 7

When display is performed by reflection of light as in the liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention, agap-adjusting film may contain a particle for scattering light asdescribed above. Alternatively, by providing a retarder having afunction of retarding a phase of a wavelength of passing light by aquarter wavelength, reflecting due to reflection of light can beprevented. This embodiment mode will describe a mode of a liquid crystaldisplay device provided with a retarder with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, where the liquidcrystal display device of FIG. 1 is further provided with a retarder 128a and a retarder 128 b. The retarder 128 a is provided between asubstrate 101 and a polarizing plate 127 a. In addition, the retarder128 b is provided between an insulating layer 110 and an alignment film112, above a conductive layer 103 b serving as a reflecting film.

In a transmission portion 161, light enters from the substrate 101 side,transmits through a liquid crystal layer 125, and is emitted to asubstrate 121 side, where light passes through both the retarders 128 aand 128 b to become light in which a phase is retarded by a halfwavelength. In addition, in a reflection portion 162 where display isperformed by reflection of light, light enters from the substrate 121side and reflects at the conductive layer 103 b, where light passesthrough the retarder 128 b twice (in entering and in reflecting).Therefore, light, in which a phase is retarded by a half wavelength withrespect to incident light, is emitted in the reflection portion 162.

By the structure as described above, reflecting due to reflection andreduction in contrast can be prevented. It is to be noted that theretarder is not limited to be provided in the liquid crystal displaydevice shown in FIG. 1 and may be provided in other liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention.

Embodiment Mode 8

Embodiment Modes 3 to 7 each describe the mode of the liquid crystaldisplay device in which reflecting due to reflection of light isprevented by the gap-adjusting film containing a particle or by theretarder. This embodiment mode will describe a mode of a liquid crystaldisplay device with reference to FIG. 10, in which a surface of areflecting film or an electrode of a liquid crystal element also servingas a reflecting film is made uneven to prevent reflecting due toreflection of light or to increase luminance in the case of using theliquid crystal display device as a reflection type display device.

FIG. 10 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device, where theliquid crystal display device of FIG. 3 is further provided with ascatterer 228. The scatterer 228 has a shape with a curved surface whichincreases its thickness toward the center so as to scatter light. Insuch a manner, by providing the scatterer 228, reflecting due toreflection of light can be prevented, an image with high contrast can bedisplayed, and luminance can be enhanced.

Embodiment Mode 9

Embodiment Modes 3 to 8 each describe the liquid crystal display devicein which the color filter is provided over the substrate which is notprovided with the transistor and the like, with the liquid crystal layerinterposed. However, a color filter or a black matrix may also beprovided over an insulating layer covering a transistor. This embodimentmode will describe a mode of a liquid crystal display device withreference to FIG. 11, in which a color filter is provided over aninsulating layer covering a transistor.

FIG. 11 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device in which a colorfilter 529 is provided between an electrode 503 of a liquid crystalelement and an electrode 511 of the liquid crystal element, and aninsulating layer 510 covering a transistor 551. In FIG. 11, over theinsulating layer 510, a light-shielding layer 530 which overlaps withthe transistor 551 is also provided in addition to the color filter 529.

It is to be noted that only one of the color filter and thelight-shielding layer may also be provided.

The color filter 529 and the light-shielding layer 530 are each formedin a different step over the insulating layer 510 at a certain interval.In a portion provided with neither the color filter 529 nor thelight-shielding layer 530, a contact hole is provided in the insulatinglayer 510 to reach the transistor. The electrode 511 of the liquidcrystal element covers the edges of the color filter 529 and thelight-shielding layer 530, and is electrically connected to a wiring 509through the contact hole provided in the insulating layer 510. It is tobe noted that, in the case where the light-shielding layer 530 is incontact with the electrode 511 of the liquid crystal element as in thisembodiment mode, the light-shielding layer 530 is preferably formedusing an insulating material such as a resin material containing blackpigment. In addition, in the case where the light-shielding layer 530 isformed using a metal material, an insulating layer for insulating thelight-shielding layer 530 and the electrode 511 of the liquid crystalelement is preferably provided therebetween.

In addition, in the case where the transistor 551 and the color filter529 are provided to be in close contact as in this embodiment mode, theinsulating layer 510 is formed using silicon nitride so as to prevent animpurity contained in the color filter from diffusing to the transistor551 side. Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, it ispreferable that the insulating layer 510 be a multilayer including aninsulating layer 510 a and an insulating layer 510 b, and at least oneof them be formed using silicon nitride.

As described above, the liquid crystal display device may also have astructure in which the color filter 529 is provided between a reflectingfilm 504 or a conductive layer serving as a reflecting film and a liquidcrystal layer 525. In a reflection portion 562 where display isperformed by reflection of light, light that has entered from asubstrate 521 side reflects at the reflecting film 504, passes throughthe color filter 529 and the liquid crystal layer 525, and is emittedoutside from the liquid crystal display device. In addition, in atransmission portion 561 where display is performed by transmission oflight, light that has entered from a substrate 501 side passes throughthe color filter 529 and the liquid crystal layer 525, and is emittedoutside from the liquid crystal display device.

It is to be noted that the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 11 isdifferent from the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 3 onlyregarding a portion provided with the color filter and thelight-shielding layer, and other structure is similar to that of theliquid crystal display device of FIG. 3.

Therefore, in various cases such as FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 7, a color filteror a light-shielding layer (black matrix) can be arranged.

It is to be noted that the color filter or the light-shielding layer(black matrix) can be provided as various insulating layers or partthereof.

Therefore, the description of Embodiment Mode 1 to Embodiment mode 8 canalso be applied to and combined with this embodiment mode.

Embodiment Mode 10

The top views shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 8 each show a mode where atleast one of the electrode of the liquid crystal element (the firstelectrode), to which potential from the source line is transmitted, andthe electrode of the liquid crystal element (the second electrode), towhich potential from the common wiring is transmitted, is comb-shaped.However, the shapes of the first electrode and the second electrode arenot limited to those shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 8. For example, theymay be zigzag shaped or wavy shaped. This embodiment mode will show amode of a liquid crystal display device having a shape of an electrode,which is different from those shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 8, withreference to FIGS. 14, 15, and 91A to 91D.

FIG. 14 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display device in which both anelectrode 211 a of a liquid crystal element, to which potential from asource line is transmitted, and an electrode 203 a of the liquid crystalelement, to which potential from a common wiring is transmitted, arezigzag shaped. It is to be noted that, although the shape of theelectrode of the liquid crystal element in the liquid crystal displaydevice of FIG. 14 is different from that in the liquid crystal displaydevice shown in FIG. 4, other structures are similar thereto.

In addition, FIG. 15 shows a mode of a liquid crystal display deviceincluding an electrode 111 a of a liquid crystal element, which isslit-shaped and is provided with a plurality of openings having a longand narrow shape. Although the shape of the electrode of the liquidcrystal element in this liquid crystal display device is different fromthat in the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 2, otherstructures are similar thereto. Therefore, a conductive layer 103 a anda conductive layer 103 b are exposed from the opening of the electrode111 a of the liquid crystal element.

In addition, it is also possible to employ such shapes as shown in FIG.91A to 91D.

With such an arrangement, a rotation direction of the liquid crystalmolecule can be varied by region in one pixel. That is, a multi-domainliquid crystal display device can be formed. The multi-domain liquidcrystal display device can reduce the possibility that an image cannotbe recognized accurately when being seen at a certain angle.

It is to be noted that the description of Embodiment Mode 1 toEmbodiment mode 9 can also be applied to and combined with thisembodiment mode.

Embodiment Mode 11

The present invention can be implemented in various modes in addition tothe modes described in Embodiment Modes 1 to 10. Various modes of theliquid crystal display device according to the present invention will beshown in FIGS. 43 to 82.

Each of FIGS. 43 to 82 is an example specifically showing thedescription of Embodiment Modes 1 and 10. This embodiment mode willdescribe an example, where the structure described in Embodiment Mode 1to 10 or a structure realized by combination of the components shown inthe drawings is provided with a transistor.

It is to be noted that, in FIGS. 43 to 82, an electrode of a liquidcrystal element, to which potential from a source line is transmitted,is referred to as a pixel electrode 4008, and an electrode of the liquidcrystal element, which is electrically connected to a common wiring, isreferred to as a common electrode 4019. In addition, a reflecting commonelectrode 4005 which is formed by using the same material as that of agate electrode 4001 and a wiring 4014 which is formed by using the samematerial as that of the gate electrode are shown. In addition, ascatterer for providing unevenness is referred to as a projection 4007for unevenness. A semiconductor layer of a transistor is referred to asa-Si (hereinafter referred to as an amorphous semiconductor layer) 4002or p-Si (hereinafter referred to as a polycrystalline semiconductorlayer) 4013. Further, a wiring provided in a step after the step offorming the gate electrode is referred to as a second wiring 4010.

FIG. 43 shows a structure in which a transistor and a common electrodeare provided in the same plane. The transistor includes a gateinsulating layer 4003 between a gate electrode 4001 and an amorphoussemiconductor layer 4002 and is a bottom gate transistor in which thegate electrode 4001 is provided below the amorphous semiconductor layer4002. Second wirings 4010 and 4023 are formed over the amorphoussemiconductor layer 4002. In addition, a projection 4007 for unevennessis provided in the same plane as that of the gate electrode 4001, and atransmitting common electrode 4006 is formed along the projection 4007for unevenness. Over the transmitting common electrode 4006, areflecting common electrode 4005 is formed. In other words, thetransmitting common electrode 4006 and the reflecting common electrode4005 are stacked. The transmitting common electrode 4006 is formed usinga material such as indium tin oxide (ITO). The reflecting commonelectrode 4005 is formed using the same material as that of the gateelectrode 4001. A first insulating layer 4004 is formed using a nitridefilm or the like over and to cover the second wirings 4010 and 4023, thereflecting common electrode 4005, and the transmitting common electrode4006. Over the first insulating layer 4004, a second insulating layer4009 is formed using an organic material or the like. The secondinsulating layer 4009 has an opening, and a pixel electrode 4008 isformed using a material such as ITO over the first insulating layer 4004in the opening. In a region other than the opening, the pixel electrode4008 is formed over the second insulating layer 4009. A contact hole isformed in the second insulating layer 4009 and the gate insulating layer4003 so as to expose the second wiring 4023, and connect the pixelelectrode 4008 and the second wiring 4023. The reflecting commonelectrode 4005 or the transmitting common electrode 4006 is arrangedbelow the pixel electrode 4008 with the second insulating layer 4009,the first insulating layer 4004, or the gate insulating layer 4003interposed therebetween.

FIG. 44 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided over a transmitting common electrode 4006, and a reflectingcommon electrode 4005 is formed along the projection 4007 forunevenness. Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 43 or the like,and the description is thus omitted.

As shown in FIG. 45, a second wiring 4012 is formed over a gateinsulating layer 4003. Over the second wiring 4012, a projection 4007for unevenness is provided, a reflecting electrode 4011 is formed alongthe projection 4007 for unevenness, and a transmitting common electrode4006 is formed so as to overlap with part of the second wiring 4012.Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 43 or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 46 shows a top gate transistor in which a gate electrode 4001 isprovided above a polycrystalline semiconductor layer 4013. Thetransistor includes the polycrystalline semiconductor layer 4013, thegate electrode 4001, and a gate insulating layer 4020 provided betweenthe polycrystalline semiconductor layer 4013 and the gate electrode4001. The transistor is covered with a first insulating layer 4025. Overthe first insulating layer 4025, a second wiring 4010 used for a signalline, a reflecting common electrode 4016 formed using the second wiring,and the like are provided. A second insulating layer 4026 formed so asto cover the transistor has an opening, and part of a pixel electrode4008 is formed over the first insulating layer 4025. Over the secondinsulating layer 4026, the pixel electrode 4008 is formed using amaterial such as indium tin oxide (ITO). In addition, a wiring 4014formed using the same material as that of the gate electrode 4001 and atransmitting common electrode 4015 are formed in the same plane as thatof the gate electrode 4001. It is to be noted that the transmittingcommon electrode 4015 is formed using a polycrystalline semiconductor orITO. A contact hole is formed in the first insulating layer 4025 so asto expose the wiring 4014 and the transmitting common electrode 4015.The reflecting common electrode 4016 is formed using the same materialas that of the second wiring in the contact hole, thereby connecting thereflecting common electrode 4016, the wiring 4014, and the transmittingcommon electrode 4015. The pixel electrode 4008 is connected to thetransistor (the polycrystalline semiconductor layer 4013) through thecontact hole formed in the second insulating layer 4026 and the firstinsulating layer 4025. The reflecting common electrode 4016 or thetransmitting common electrode 4015 is arranged below the pixel electrode4008 with the second insulating layer 4026 and/or the insulating layer4025 interposed therebetween.

FIG. 47 shows a structure in which a plurality of contact holes areformed in a first insulating layer 4025 so as to expose a wiring 4014and a transmitting common electrode 4015 on the transmitting commonelectrode 4015 side. A reflecting common electrode 4016 formed using thesame material as that of a second wiring is formed in the contact hole,thereby connecting the wiring 4014 and the transmitting common electrode4015. The surface of the reflecting common electrode 4016 is uneven. Itis to be noted that an opening can be formed by selective etchingutilizing a difference between materials for the first insulating layer4025 and a second insulating layer 4026. Alternatively, a nitride filmmay be formed over the first insulating layer 4025. Other structure issimilar to that of FIG. 46 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

FIG. 48 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isformed over a second wiring 4012, and a reflecting electrode 4011 isformed along the projection 4007 for unevenness. Other structure issimilar to that of FIG. 46 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

FIG. 49 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided over a first insulating layer 4025, and a reflecting commonelectrode 4016 is formed using the same material as that of a secondwiring along the projection 4007 for unevenness. Other structure issimilar to that of FIG. 46 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

FIG. 50 shows a structure in which a third insulating layer 4021 isprovided. A wiring 4014 is formed using the same material as that of agate electrode 4001 in the same plane as that of a polycrystallinesemiconductor layer 4013. A first insulating layer 4025 is formed over atransistor and the wiring 4014, and a contact hole is formed so as toexpose the wiring 4014. A second wiring 4012 is connected to the wiring4014 in the contact hole. Over the first insulating layer 4025, atransmitting common electrode 4018 is formed so as to overlap with partof the second wiring 4012. Over the transistor and the transmittingcommon electrode 4018, a second insulating layer 4026 is formed. In thesecond insulating layer 4026, a contact hole is formed, therebyconnecting a reflecting common electrode 4017 formed using the samematerial as that of the second wiring and the transmitting commonelectrode 4018. Over the reflecting common electrode 4017, a thirdinsulating layer 4021 is formed. The third insulating layer 4021 has anopening, and part of a pixel electrode 4008 is formed over the secondinsulating layer 4026. The pixel electrode 4008 is formed also over thethird insulating layer 4021. The pixel electrode 4008 is connected thetransistor (the polycrystalline semiconductor layer 4013) through thecontact hole formed in the third insulating layer 4021, the secondinsulating layer 4026, and the first insulating layer 4025. Thereflecting common electrode 4017 or the transmitting common electrode4018 is arranged below the pixel electrode 4008 with the thirdinsulating layer 4021 and/or the second insulating layer 4026 interposedtherebetween.

FIG. 51 shows a structure in which a plurality of contact holes areformed in a second insulating layer 4026 so as to expose a second wiring4012 and a transmitting common electrode 4018 on the transmitting commonelectrode 4018 side. A reflecting common electrode 4017 is formed in thecontact hole, thereby connecting the second wiring 4012 and thetransmitting common electrode 4018. It is to be noted that the surfaceof the reflecting common electrode 4017 is uneven. Other structure issimilar to that of FIG. 50 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

FIG. 52 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided over a conductive layer 4027, and a reflecting common electrode4017 is formed along the projection 4007 for unevenness. A contact holeis formed in a second insulating layer 4026 so as to expose atransmitting common electrode 4018, thereby connecting the conductivelayer 4027 and the transmitting common electrode 4018. Other structureis similar to that of FIG. 50 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

FIG. 53 shows a structure, in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided over a second insulating layer 4026, and a reflecting commonelectrode 4017 is formed along the projection 4007 for unevenness. Otherstructure is similar to that of FIG. 50 or the like, and the descriptionis thus omitted.

FIG. 54 shows a structure in which an opening is provided in a firstinsulating layer 4025. A contact hole is formed in the first insulatinglayer 4025 so as to expose a wiring 4014 formed using the same materialas that of a gate electrode, thereby connecting a reflecting commonelectrode 4016 formed using the same material as that of a second wiringand the wiring 4014. A transmitting common electrode 4018 is formed soas to overlap with part of the reflecting common electrode 4016 in thesame plane as that of a polycrystalline semiconductor layer 4013 (in theopening in the first insulating layer 4025) and over the firstinsulating layer 4025. Over the first insulating layer 4025 and thetransmitting common electrode 4018, a second insulating layer 4026 isformed. A pixel electrode 4008 is formed over the second insulatinglayer 4026. A contact hole is formed in the second insulating layer 4026so as to expose a second wiring 4023 of a transistor, thereby connectingthe pixel electrode 4008 and the second wiring 4023. In other words, thepixel electrode 4008 is connected to the transistor (the polycrystallinesemiconductor layer 4013) through the contact hole formed in the secondinsulating layer 4026 and the first insulating layer 4025. Thereflecting common electrode 4016 or the transmitting common electrode4018 is arranged below the pixel electrode 4008 with the secondinsulating layer 4026 interposed therebetween. Other structure issimilar to that of FIG. 46 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

FIG. 55 shows a structure in which a plurality of contact holes areformed in a first insulating layer 4025. A reflecting common electrode4016 is formed in the opening. It is to be noted that the surface of thereflecting common electrode 4026 is uneven. Other structure is similarto that of FIG. 54 or the like, and the description is thus omitted.

FIG. 56 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided over a second wiring 4012, and a reflecting electrode 4011 isformed along the projection 4007 for unevenness. Other structure issimilar to that of FIG. 54 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

As shown in FIG. 57, a projection 4007 for unevenness is provided over afirst insulating layer 4025, and a second wiring 4012 is formed alongthe projection 4007 for unevenness. Other structure is similar to thatof FIG. 54 or the like, and the description is thus omitted.

FIG. 58 shows a structure in which an opening is provided in a secondinsulating layer 4026. A wiring 4014 is formed in the same plane as thatof a transistor. Over the transistor and the wiring 4014, a firstinsulating layer 4025 is formed. Over the first insulating layer 4025 ina transmission portion 1002, a common electrode 4019 and a pixelelectrode 4008 which are formed using ITO or the like are formed. In thetransmission portion 1002, the common electrode 4019 and the pixelelectrode 4008 are alternately arranged. Further, in the transmissionportion 1002, the common electrode 4019 is not arranged below the pixelelectrode 4008. On the other hand, in a reflection portion 1001, thepixel electrode 4008 is formed over a second insulating layer 4026. Inthe reflection portion 1001, a reflecting common electrode 4016 isarranged below the pixel electrode 4008 with the second insulating layer4026 interposed therebetween. In the reflection portion 1001 and thetransmission portion 1002, a contact hole is formed in the firstinsulating layer 4025 so as to expose the wiring 4014. In the reflectionportion 1001, the reflecting common electrode 4016 is formed in thecontact hole whereas, in the transmission portion 1002, the commonelectrode 4019 is formed in the contact hole. The pixel electrode 4008is connected to the transistor (a polycrystalline semiconductor layer4013) through the contact hole formed in the second insulating layer4026 and the first insulating layer 4025.

FIG. 59 shows a structure in which a plurality of contact holes areformed in a first insulating layer 4025 so as to expose a wiring 4014 ona reflection portion 1001 side. A reflecting common electrode 4016 isformed using the same material as that of a second wiring in the contacthole, thereby connecting the reflecting common electrode 4016 and thewiring 4014. The surface of the reflecting common electrode 4016 isuneven. Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 58 or the like, andthe description is thus omitted.

FIG. 60 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided over a second wiring 4012, and a reflecting electrode 4011 isformed along the projection 4007 for unevenness. Other structure issimilar to that of FIG. 58 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

As shown in FIG. 61, a projection 4007 for unevenness is provided over afirst insulating layer 4025, and a reflecting common electrode 4016 isformed using a second wiring along the projection 4007 for unevenness.Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 58 or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 62 shows a structure in which a third insulating layer 4021 isprovided. In the same plane as that of a polycrystalline semiconductorlayer 4013, a wiring 4014 is formed using the same material as that of agate electrode. Over a transistor and the wiring 4014, a firstinsulating layer 4025 is formed and a contact hole is formed so as toexpose the wiring 4014. A second wiring 4012 is formed in the contacthole so as to be connected to the wiring 4014. Over the transistor andthe second wiring 4012, a second insulating layer 4026 is formed. In thesecond insulating layer 4026, a contact hole is formed in each of areflection portion 1001 and a transmission portion 1002. A reflectingcommon electrode 4017 is formed in the contact hole in the reflectionportion 1001, and a common electrode 4019 is formed in the contact holein the transmission portion 1002. The third insulating layer 4021 isformed over the reflecting common electrode 4017. The third insulatinglayer 4021 has an opening, and part of a pixel electrode 4008 and partof the common electrode 4019 are formed over the second insulating layer4026. In the transmission portion 1002, the common electrode 4019 andthe pixel electrode 4008 are alternately arranged. Further, in thetransmission portion 1002, the common electrode 4019 is not arrangedbelow the pixel electrode 4008. On the other hand, in the reflectionportion 1001, the pixel electrode 4008 is formed over the thirdinsulating layer 4021. In the reflection portion 1001, the reflectingcommon electrode 4017 is arranged below the pixel electrode 4008 withthe third insulating layer 4021 interposed therebetween. The pixelelectrode 4008 is connected to the transistor (the polycrystallinesemiconductor layer 4013) through the contact hole formed in the thirdinsulating layer 4021, the second insulating layer 4026, and the firstinsulating layer 4025.

FIG. 63 shows a structure in which a plurality of contact holes areformed in a second insulating layer 4026 so as to expose a second wiring4012. A reflecting common electrode 4017 is formed in the contact hole,thereby connecting the reflecting common electrode 4017 and the secondwiring 4012. The surface of the reflecting common electrode 4017 isuneven. Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 62 or the like, andthe description is thus omitted.

FIG. 64 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided over a common electrode 4019, and a reflecting common electrode4017 is formed along the projection 4007 for unevenness. Other structureis similar to that of FIG. 62 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

As shown in FIG. 65, a projection 4007 for unevenness is provided over asecond insulating layer 4026, and a reflecting common electrode 4017 isformed using a second wiring along the projection 4007 for unevenness.Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 62 or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 66 shows a structure in which, in a reflection portion 1001, aplurality of contact holes are provided in a second insulating layer4026 and a reflecting common electrode 4022 for FFS is formed. It is tobe noted that the surface of the reflecting common electrode 4022 isuneven. A third insulating layer 4021 is formed over the reflectingcommon electrode 4022, and a contact hole is provided in each of thereflection portion 1001 and a transmission portion 1002. In addition, inthe transmission portion 1002, a pixel electrode 4008 and a commonelectrode 4019 are formed over the third insulating layer 4021, therebyconnecting the common electrode 4019 and the reflecting common electrode4022 through the contact hole. In the transmission portion 1002, thecommon electrode 4019 and the pixel electrode 4008 are alternatelyarranged. Further, in the transmission portion 1002, the commonelectrode 4019 is not arranged below the pixel electrode 4008. On theother hand, in the reflection portion 1001, the pixel electrode 4008 isformed over the third insulating layer 4021. In the reflection portion1001, the reflecting common electrode 4022 is arranged below the pixelelectrode 4008 with the third insulating layer 4021 interposedtherebetween. The pixel electrode 4008 is connected to the transistor(the polycrystalline semiconductor layer 4013) through the contact holeformed in the third insulating layer 4021, the second insulating layer4026, and the first insulating layer 4025. Other structure is similar tothat of FIG. 62 or the like, and the description is thus omitted.

FIG. 67 shows a structure in which a conductive layer 4027 is formedover a second insulating layer 4026 in a reflection portion 1001. Aprojection 4007 for unevenness is provided over the conductive layer4027, and a reflecting electrode 4011 is formed along the projection4007 for unevenness. In addition, in a transmission portion 1002, apixel electrode 4008 and a common electrode 4019 are formed over a thirdinsulating layer 4021, thereby connecting the common electrode 4019 andthe reflecting electrode 4011 through the contact hole. Other structureis similar to that of FIG. 62, FIG. 66, or the like, and the descriptionis thus omitted.

FIG. 68 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided over a second insulating layer 4026 in a reflection portion1001. A reflecting electrode 4011 is formed along the projection 4007for unevenness. In addition, in a transmission portion 1002, a pixelelectrode 4008 and a common electrode 4019 are formed over a thirdinsulating layer 4021, thereby connecting the common electrode 4019 andthe reflecting electrode 4011 through the contact hole. Other structureis similar to that of FIG. 62, FIG. 66, or the like, and the descriptionis thus omitted.

FIG. 69 shows a structure in which, in a transmission portion 1002, anopening is formed in an insulating layer 4028 and a gate insulatinglayer 4003. In the transmission portion 1002, over a wiring 4014 formedusing the same material as that of a gate electrode and the gateinsulating layer 4003, an opening is provided so as to expose part of areflecting common electrode 4016 formed using the same material as thatof a second wiring. A common electrode 4019 is formed so as to be incontact with the wiring 4014 and the reflecting common electrode 4016which are partially exposed. In addition, in the same plane as that ofthe gate electrode 4001, a pixel electrode 4008 and a common electrode4019 are formed. The insulating layer 4028 is formed over and to coverthe second wiring 4010 and the reflecting common electrode 4016. Acontact hole is formed in the insulating layer 4028 so as to expose thesecond wiring 4023, thereby connecting the pixel electrode 4008 formedover the insulating layer 4028 and the second wiring 4023. In thetransmission portion 1002, the common electrode 4019 and the pixelelectrode 4018 are alternately arranged. Further, in the transmissionportion 1002, the common electrode is not arranged below the pixelelectrode 4008. On the other hand, in a reflection portion 1001, thepixel electrode 4008 is formed over the insulating layer 4028. In thereflection portion 1001, the reflecting common electrode 4016 isarranged below the pixel electrode 4008 with the insulating layer 4028interposed therebetween. Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 43or the like, and the description is thus omitted.

FIG. 70 shows a structure in which a plurality of wirings 4014 areformed in a reflection portion 1001. In a transmission portion 1002,over a wiring 4014 formed using the same material as that of a gateelectrode and a gate insulating layer 4003, an opening is provided so asto expose part of a reflecting common electrode 4016 formed using thesame material as that of a second wiring. It is to be noted that thesurface of the reflecting common electrode 4016 is uneven. A commonelectrode 4019 is formed so as to be in contact with the wiring 4014 andthe reflecting common electrode 4016 which are partially exposed. Inaddition, in the same plane as that of the gate electrode 4001, a pixelelectrode 4008 and the common electrode 4019 are formed. Other structureis similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 69, or the like, and the descriptionis thus omitted.

FIG. 71 shows a structure in which a wiring 4014 is formed in the sameplane as that of a gate electrode 4001 in a transmission portion 1002.In a reflection portion 1001, a reflecting common electrode 4016 isformed using the same material as that of a second wiring over a gateinsulating layer 4013 which is formed so as to cover the gate electrode4001 and the wiring 4014. Over the reflecting common electrode 4016, afirst insulating layer 4004 is formed and a plurality of contact holesare provided. Over the first insulating layer 4004, a common electrode4019 is formed so as to connect the reflecting common electrode 4016 andthe wiring 4014 through the contact hole. In the transmission portion1002, the common electrode 4019 and the pixel electrode 4008 arealternately arranged over the first insulating layer 4004. Further, inthe transmission portion 1002, the common electrode is not arrangedbelow the pixel electrode 4008. On the other hand, in a reflectionportion 1001, the reflecting common electrode 4016 is arranged below thepixel electrode 4008 with a second insulating layer 4009, the firstinsulating layer 4004, and the like interposed therebetween. Otherstructure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 69, or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 72 shows a structure in which a plurality of wirings 4014 areformed in the same plane as that of a gate electrode 4001. Over a gateinsulating layer 4003 which is formed so as to cover the gate electrode4001 and the wiring 4014, a reflecting common electrode 4016 is formedusing the same material as that of a second wiring in a reflectionportion 1001. It is to be noted that the surface of the reflectingcommon electrode 4016 is uneven. Over the reflecting common electrode4016, a first insulating layer 4004 is formed, and a plurality ofcontact holes are provided. Over the first insulating layer 4004, acommon electrode 4019 is formed so as to connect the reflecting commonelectrode 4016 and the wiring 4014 through the contact hole. Otherstructure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 71, or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 73 shows a structure in which a wiring 4014 is provided in the sameplane as that of a gate electrode 4001. Over a gate insulating layer4003 which is formed so as to cover the gate electrode 4001 and thewiring 4014, a reflecting common electrode 4016 is formed using the samematerial as that of a second wiring in a reflection portion 1001. Overthe reflecting common electrode 4016, an insulating layer 4028 isformed, and a plurality of contact holes are provided. Over theinsulating layer 4028, a common electrode 4019 is formed so as toconnect the reflecting common electrode 4016 and the wiring 4014 throughthe contact hole. In a transmission portion 1002, the common electrode4019 and the pixel electrode 4008 are alternately arranged over theinsulating layer 4028. Further, in the transmission portion 1002, thecommon electrode is not arranged below the pixel electrode 4008. On theother hand, in the reflection portion 1001, the pixel electrode 4008 isformed over the insulating layer 4028. In the reflection portion 1001,the reflecting common electrode 4016 is arranged below the pixelelectrode 4008 with the insulating layer 4028 interposed therebetween.Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 69, or the like, andthe description is thus omitted.

FIG. 74 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isformed over a second wiring 4012. Over a gate insulating layer 4003which is formed so as to cover a gate electrode 4001 and a wiring 4014,the second wiring 4012 is formed in a reflection portion 1001. Theprojection 4007 for unevenness is formed over the second wiring 4012,and a reflecting electrode 4011 is formed along the projection 4007 forunevenness. In addition, over the second wiring 4012, a first insulatinglayer 4004 is formed, and a plurality of contact holes are provided.Over the first insulating layer 4004, a common electrode 4019 is formedso as to connect the second wiring 4012 and the wiring 4014 through thecontact hole. Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 71, orthe like, and the description is thus omitted.

FIG. 75 shows a structure in which a plurality of wirings 4014 areformed in a reflection portion 1001. Over a gate insulating layer 4003which is formed so as to cover a gate electrode 4001 and the wiring4014, a reflecting common electrode 4016 is formed using the samematerial as that of a second wiring in the reflection portion 1001. Itis to be noted that, since the plurality of wirings 4014 are formedbelow the reflecting common electrode 4016, the reflecting commonelectrode 4016 has an uneven shape. Over the reflecting common electrode4016, an insulating layer 4028 is formed, and a plurality of contactholes are provided. Over the insulating layer 4028, a common electrode4019 is formed so as to connect the reflecting common electrode 4016 andthe wiring 4014 through the contact hole. Other structure is similar tothat of FIG. 43, FIG. 73, or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

FIG. 76 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isformed over a second wiring 4012, and a reflecting electrode 4011 isformed along the projection 4007 for unevenness. In addition, in areflection portion 1001, over a gate insulating layer 4003 which isformed so as to cover a gate electrode 4001 and a wiring 4014, areflecting electrode 4011 is formed using a second wiring. Over thereflecting electrode 4011, an insulating layer 4028 is formed, and aplurality of contact holes are provided. Over the insulating layer 4028,a common electrode 4019 is formed so as to connect the reflectingelectrode 4011 and the wiring 4014 through the contact hole. Otherstructure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 73, or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 77 shows a structure in which a reflecting common electrode 4024 isformed in the same plane as that of a gate electrode 4001 in atransmission portion 1002. An opening is formed in an insulating layer4028 and a gate insulating layer 4003 so as to expose part of thereflecting common electrode 4024. A pixel electrode 4008 and a commonelectrode 4019 are formed in the same plane as that of the gateelectrode 4001, and part of the common electrode 4019 is formed so as tooverlap with part of the reflecting common electrode 4024. In thetransmission portion 1002, the common electrode 4019 and the pixelelectrode 4008 are alternately arranged. Further, in the transmissionportion 1002, the common electrode is not arranged below the pixelelectrode 4008. On the other hand, in a reflection portion 1001, thepixel electrode 4008 is formed over the insulating layer 4028. In thereflection portion 1001, the reflecting common electrode 4024 isarranged below the pixel electrode 4008 with the insulating layer 4028and the gate insulating layer 4003 interposed therebetween. Otherstructure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 69, or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 78 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isprovided in the same plane as that of a gate electrode 4001. Over theprojection 4007 for unevenness, a reflecting common electrode 4024 isformed along the projection 4007 for unevenness. Then, an opening isprovided in an insulating layer 4028 so as to expose part of thereflecting common electrode 4024. A pixel electrode 4008 and a commonelectrode 4019 are formed in the same plane as that of the gateelectrode 4001, and part of the common electrode 4019 is formed so as tooverlap with part of the reflecting common electrode 4024. Otherstructure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 77, or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 79 shows a structure in which a pixel electrode 4008 and a commonelectrode 4019 are formed over a gate insulating layer 4003 in atransmission portion 1002. A reflecting common electrode 4024 is formedin the same plane as that of a gate electrode 4001, and the gateinsulating layer 4003 is formed over the reflecting common electrode4024. In the transmission portion 1002, a contact hole is provided inthe gate insulating layer 4003 so as to expose the reflecting commonelectrode 4024, thereby connecting the common electrode 4019 and thereflecting common electrode 4024. In the transmission portion 1002, thecommon electrode 4019 and the pixel electrode 4008 are alternatelyarranged over the gate insulating layer 4003. Further, in thetransmission portion 1002, the common electrode is not arranged belowthe pixel electrode 4008. On the other hand, in a reflection portion1001, the pixel electrode 4008 is formed over the insulating layer 4028.In the reflection portion 1001, a reflecting common electrode 4024 isarranged below the pixel electrode 4008 with the insulating layer 4028and the gate insulating layer 4003 interposed therebetween. Otherstructure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 77, or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIG. 80 shows a structure in which a projection 4007 for unevenness isformed in the same plane as that of a gate electrode 4001. A reflectingcommon electrode 4024 is formed along the projection 4007 forunevenness. Over the reflecting common electrode 4024, a gate insulatinglayer 4003 is formed. Then, in a transmission portion, a contact hole isprovided in the gate insulating layer 4003 so as to expose thereflecting common electrode 4024, thereby connecting the commonelectrode 4019 and the reflecting common electrode 4024. Other structureis similar to that of FIG. 79 or the like, and the description is thusomitted.

FIG. 81 shows a structure in which a pixel electrode 4008 and a commonelectrode 4019 are formed over an insulating layer 4028 in atransmission portion 1002. A contact hole is provided in the insulatinglayer 4028 and a gate insulating layer 4003, thereby exposing areflecting common electrode 4024 that is formed in the same plane asthat of a gate electrode. In the contact hole, the common electrode 4019and the reflecting common electrode 4024 are connected to each other. Inthe transmission portion 1002, the common electrode 4019 and the pixelelectrode 4008 are alternately arranged over the insulating layer 4028.Further, in the transmission portion 1002, the common electrode is notarranged below the pixel electrode 4008. On the other hand, in areflection portion 1001, the pixel electrode 4008 is formed over theinsulating layer 4028. In the reflection portion 1001, the reflectingcommon electrode 4024 is arranged below the pixel electrode 4008 withthe insulating layer 4028 and the gate insulating layer 4003 interposedtherebetween. Other structure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 73, orthe like, and the description is thus omitted.

FIG. 82 shows a structure in which, in a reflection portion 1001, aprojection 4007 for unevenness is provided in the same plane as that ofa gate electrode 4001, and a reflecting common electrode 4024 is formedalong the projection 4007 for unevenness. A contact hole is provided inan insulating layer 4028, thereby exposing the reflecting commonelectrode 4024 that is formed in the same plane as that of the gateelectrode 4001. In the contact hole, the common electrode 4019 and thereflecting common electrode 4024 are connected to each other. Otherstructure is similar to that of FIG. 43, FIG. 81, or the like, and thedescription is thus omitted.

FIGS. 43 to 82 each have a feature that a contact hole or a hole that issimilar to the contact hole is provided in an insulating film below areflecting electrode, thereby making the surface of the reflectingelectrode uneven. In such a case, an additional process is not necessaryto make the surface of the reflecting electrode uneven.

It is to be noted that, in FIGS. 43 to 82, the gate insulating layer4020 is illustrated only below a gate electrode in some cases; however,the present invention is not limited thereto. The gate insulating layermay be arranged over the entire surface, may be arranged only below thegate electrode, or may be thick below or around the gate electrode andthin in other regions.

FIGS. 43 to 82 each show the case where the transistor is a top gatetype, but the top gate transistor may also be changed into a bottom gatetransistor.

It is to be noted that the description of Embodiment Mode 1 toEmbodiment Mode 10 can also be applied to and combined with thisembodiment mode.

Embodiment Mode 12

A pixel structure included in a liquid crystal display device accordingto the present invention is described with reference to the top views ofFIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, and 15. A wiring is led in a pixel portion asshown in a circuit of FIG. 16. A mode that is different from those ofFIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, and 15 can also be allowed unless it departs fromthe purpose and scope of the present invention. A pixel circuit of aliquid crystal display device according to the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 16.

In FIG. 16, a gate line 7001 intersects with a source line 7002. Inaddition, a common wiring 7003 a and a common wiring 7003 b are ledvertically and horizontally. The gate line 7001 is connected to a gateelectrode of a transistor 7004. In addition, the source line 7002 isconnected to a source (or drain) electrode of the transistor 7004. It isto be noted that, when the liquid crystal display device is an ACdriving liquid crystal display device, the source electrode and thedrain electrode of the transistor 7004 are switched in accordance withpotential transmitted from the source line 7002; therefore, theelectrode is referred to as the source (or drain) electrode in thisembodiment mode. A liquid crystal element C_(LC) is provided between thesource (or drain) electrode of the transistor 7004 and the common wiring7003 a. When the transistor 7004 is turned on, the potential from thesource line 7002 is transmitted to the liquid crystal element C_(LC),whereas, when the transistor 7004 is turned off, the potential from thesource line 7002 is not transmitted to the liquid crystal elementC_(LC). In the case where it is desired that light pass through theliquid crystal layer even when the transistor 7004 is turned off and thepotential from the source line 7002 is not transmitted to the liquidcrystal element C_(LC), a capacitor C_(S) is preferably provided inparallel to the liquid crystal element C_(LC). When the capacitor storesvoltage, light can pass through the liquid crystal layer even when thetransistor 7004 is turned off.

FIG. 92A shows a top view of the display device described in thisembodiment mode. FIG. 92B shows a cross-sectional view corresponding toa line K-L of FIG. 92A. The display device shown in FIGS. 92A and 92Bincludes an external terminal connecting region 852, a sealing region853, and a scanning line driver circuit 854 including a signal linedriver circuit.

The display device shown in FIGS. 92A and 92B in this embodiment modeincludes a substrate 801, a thin film transistor 827, a thin filmtransistor 829, a thin film transistor 825, a sealant 834, a countersubstrate 830, an alignment film 831, a counter electrode 832, a spacer833, a polarizing plate 835 a, a polarizing plate 835 b, a firstterminal electrode layer 838 a, a second terminal electrode layer 838 b,an anisotropy conductive layer 836, and an FPC 837. The display devicealso includes the external terminal connecting region 852, the sealingregion 853, the scanning line driver circuit 854, a pixel region 856,and a signal line driver circuit 857.

The sealant 834 is provided to surround the pixel region 856 and thescanning line driver circuit 854 formed over the substrate 801. Thecounter substrate 830 is provided over the pixel region 856 and thescanning line driver circuit 854. Therefore, the pixel region 856 andthe scanning line driver circuit 854 are sealed, as well as the liquidcrystal material, by the substrate 801, the sealant 834, and the countersubstrate 830.

The pixel region 856 and the scanning line driver circuit 854 formedover the substrate 801 include a plurality of thin film transistors. InFIG. 92B, the thin film transistor 825 included in the pixel region 856is shown as an example.

It is to be noted that the description of Embodiment Modes 1 to 11 canalso be applied to and combined with this embodiment mode.

Embodiment Mode 13

FIGS. 17A and 17B each show a mode of a module including a liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention described inEmbodiment Modes 1 to 12. A pixel portion 930, a gate driver 920, and asource driver 940 are provided over a substrate 900. A signal isinputted to the gate driver 920 and the source driver 940 from anintegrated circuit 950 through a flexible printed circuit 960. An imageis displayed in the pixel portion 930 in accordance with the inputtedsignal.

It is to be noted that the description of Embodiment Mode 1 toEmbodiment Mode 12 can also be applied to and combined with thisembodiment mode.

Embodiment Mode 14

This embodiment mode will describe details of an electrode 10 of aliquid crystal element. FIG. 94 shows one example of a cross-sectionalview. It is to be noted that an electrode of the liquid crystal elementother than the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element can havevarious modes and not shown in FIG. 94 but may be arranged in anymanner.

In addition, an insulating layer 13 which is a film for adjusting athickness of a liquid crystal layer 15 is formed on a substrate sideprovided with the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element; however,the present invention is not limited thereto. The insulating layer 13which is a film for adjusting a thickness of a liquid crystal layer 15may also be arranged on a counter substrate side. Further, theinsulating layer 13 which is a film for adjusting a thickness of theliquid crystal layer 15 is formed below the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element; however, the present invention is not limited thereto.The insulating layer 13 which is a film for adjusting a thickness mayalso be arranged over the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element.

It is to be noted that, instead of the electrode 10 of the liquidcrystal element, an electrode 12 of the liquid crystal element may bearranged in part.

Here, an interval between electrodes will be described. As shown in FIG.94, an interval 9972 between the electrodes 10 of the liquid crystalelement in a transmission portion 1002 is compared to an interval 9971between the electrodes 10 of the liquid crystal element, which isarranged at a boundary of the transmission portion 1002 and a reflectionportion 1001, i.e., at a boundary of the insulating layer 13. Theinterval 9971 may be almost equal to or longer than the interval 9972.It is preferable that, in the pixel, there are more such regions wherethe interval 9971 is almost equal to or longer than the interval 9972than regions where the interval 9971 is shorter than the interval 9972.It is also preferable that, in the pixel, there are two times or threetimes more regions where the interval 9971 is longer than the interval9972 than regions where the interval 9971 is shorter than the interval9972.

Alignment of a liquid crystal molecule is disordered at the boundary ofthe insulating layer 13. Therefore, when the interval 9971 is made longso as not to easily receive en electric field, an alignment defect suchas disclination can be reduced.

Similarly, it is preferable that the interval 9971 be almost equal to orlonger than an interval 9970 between the electrodes 10 of the liquidcrystal element in the reflection portion 1001.

Subsequently, the interval 9972 between the electrodes 10 of the liquidcrystal element in the transmission portion 1002 is compared to theinterval 9970 between the electrodes 10 of the liquid crystal element inthe reflection portion 1001. The interval 9970 may be almost equal to orlonger than the interval 9972. It is preferable that, in the pixel,there are more such regions where the interval 9970 is almost equal toor longer than the interval 9972 than regions where the interval 9970 isshorter than the interval 9972. It is more preferable that, in thepixel, there are two times or three times more regions where theinterval 9970 is longer than the interval 9972 than regions where theinterval 9970 is shorter than the interval 9972.

In the reflection portion 1001, a thickness of the liquid crystal layer,i.e. a cell gap, is thin. Therefore, an electric field applied to theliquid crystal molecule may be lower than that in the transmissionportion 1002.

Next, the arrangement of the boundary of the insulating layer 13 whichis a film for adjusting a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 15 andthe electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element will be described. At theboundary of the insulating layer 13, alignment of the liquid crystalmolecule is possibly disordered. Therefore, in order to reducedisordered alignment as much as possible, the boundary of the insulatinglayer 13 and the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element arepreferably arranged almost in parallel or to be almost orthogonal.

FIGS. 96A and 96B each show a view in the case where the boundary of theinsulating layer 13 and the electrode 10 of the liquid crystal elementare arranged almost in parallel. FIG. 96A shows a cross-sectional viewand FIG. 96B shows a plan view. In such a manner, by the almost parallelarrangement, disordered alignment of the liquid crystal molecule can bereduced.

It is to be noted that, “be almost parallel” here also includesdiscrepancy in such a degree that disordered alignment of the liquidcrystal molecule does not have a great influence. Therefore, forexample, an angle between a tangent line of the boundary of theinsulating layer 13 and that of the electrode 10 of the liquid crystalelement is preferably −10 to +10 degrees, more preferably −5 to +5degrees.

Even when the boundary of the insulating layer 13 and the electrode 10of the liquid crystal element are arranged almost in parallel as shownin FIGS. 96A and 96B, there can be a region, as shown in FIG. 95, wherethe electrode 10 of the liquid crystal element is arranged over theboundary of the insulating layer 13 due to connection of the electrodes.

Then, FIGS. 97A and 97B show a view in the case where the boundary ofthe insulating layer 13 and the electrode 10 of the liquid crystalelement are arranged to be almost orthogonal. FIG. 97A shows across-sectional view and FIG. 97B shows a plan view. In such a manner,by the almost orthogonal arrangement, disordered alignment of the liquidcrystal molecule can be reduced.

It is to be noted that, “be almost orthogonal” here also includesdiscrepancy in such a degree that disordered alignment of the liquidcrystal molecule does not have a great influence. Therefore, forexample, an angle between a tangent line of the boundary of theinsulating layer 13 and that of the electrode 10 of the liquid crystalelement is preferably 80 to 110 degrees, more preferably 85 to 105degrees.

It is to be noted that the description of Embodiment Mode 1 toEmbodiment mode 13 can also be applied to and combined with thisembodiment mode.

Embodiment Mode 15

An electronic appliance including a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention in a display portion will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 19A to 19H. FIG. 19A shows a TV setwhich includes a housing 2001, a support base 2002, a display portion2003, speaker portions 2004, a video input terminal 2005, and the like.The display portion 2003 includes the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention described in Embodiment Modes 1 to14. FIG. 19B shows a camera which includes a main body 2101, a displayportion 2102, an image receiving portion 2103, operation keys 2104, anexternal connecting port 2105, a shutter 2106, and the like. The displayportion 2102 includes the liquid crystal display device according to thepresent invention described in Embodiment Modes 1 to 14. FIG. 19C showsa computer which includes a main body 2201, a housing 2202, a displayportion 2203, a keyboard 2204, an external connecting port 2205, apointing mouse 2206, and the like. The display portion 2203 includes theliquid crystal display device according to the present inventiondescribed in Embodiment Modes 1 to 14. FIG. 19D shows an informationterminal which includes a main body 2301, a display portion 2302, aswitch 2303, operation keys 2304, an infrared port 2305, and the like.The display portion 2302 includes the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention described in Embodiment Modes 1 to14. FIG. 19E shows a DVD reproducing device which includes a main body2401, a housing 2402, a display portion A 2403, a display portion B2404, a recording medium reading portion 2405, operation keys 2406,speaker portions 2407, and the like. The display portion A 2403 and thedisplay portion B 2404 each include the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention described in Embodiment Modes 1 to14. FIG. 19F shows an electronic book which includes a main body 2501, adisplay portions 2502, operation keys 2503, and the like. The displayportion 2502 includes the liquid crystal display device according to thepresent invention described in Embodiment Modes 1 to 14. FIG. 19G showsan image pickup device which includes a main body 2601, a displayportion 2602, a housing 2603, an external connecting port 2604, a remotecontrol receiving portion 2605, an image receiving portion 2606, abattery 2607, an audio input portion 2608, operation keys 2609, and thelike. The display portion 2602 includes the liquid crystal displaydevice according to the present invention described in Embodiment Modes1 to 14. FIG. 19H shows a phone which includes a main body 2701, ahousing 2702, a display portion 2703, an audio input portion 2704, anaudio output portion 2705, operation keys 2706, an external connectingport 2707, an antenna 2708, and the like. The display portion 2703includes the liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention described in Embodiment Modes 1 to 14.

As described above, an electronic appliance according to the presentinvention is completed by incorporating a liquid crystal display deviceaccording to the present invention into a display portion. Such anelectronic appliance according to the present invention can display animage that is favorable both indoors and outdoors. In particular, anelectronic appliance such as a camera or an image pickup device which isoften used outdoors and indoors has advantages, such as a wide viewingangle and less color-shift depending on an angle at which a displayscreen is seen, both indoors and outdoors.

It is to be noted that the description of Embodiment Mode 1 toEmbodiment mode 14 can also be applied to and combined with thisembodiment mode.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application serial no.2005-350198 filed in Japan Patent Office on Dec. 5, 2005, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

1. (canceled)
 2. A liquid crystal display device comprising: atransistor comprising: a gate electrode; a semiconductor layeroverlapping with the gate electrode; and a gate insulating layer betweenthe gate electrode and the semiconductor layer; a first conductive layeron and in electrical contact with the semiconductor layer; a secondconductive layer on a same plane and of a same material as the firstconductive layer; a first insulating layer over the transistor and overthe first and the second conductive layers; a transmitting commonelectrode overlapping the second conductive layer; a third conductivelayer on and in direct contact with the transmitting common electrode,the third conductive layer overlapping the second conductive layer andthe first insulating layer; a second insulating layer on and in directcontact with the first insulating layer and with the third conductivelayer; and a transmitting pixel electrode on and in direct contact withthe second insulating layer, overlapping the transmitting commonelectrode, and in electrical contact with the first conductive layer viaa second contact hole in the second insulating layer and a first contacthole in the first insulating layer, wherein the first contact hole andthe second contact hole overlap.
 3. A liquid crystal display devicecomprising: a transistor comprising: a gate electrode; a semiconductorlayer overlapping with the gate electrode; and a gate insulating layerbetween the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer; a firstconductive layer on and in electrical contact with the semiconductorlayer; a second conductive layer on a same plane and of a same materialas the first conductive layer; a first insulating layer over thetransistor and on and in direct contact with the first and the secondconductive layers; a transmitting common electrode overlapping thesecond conductive layer; a third conductive layer on and in directcontact with the transmitting common electrode, the third conductivelayer overlapping the second conductive layer and the first insulatinglayer; a second insulating layer on and in direct contact with the firstinsulating layer and with the third conductive layer; and a transmittingpixel electrode on and in direct contact with the second insulatinglayer, overlapping the transmitting common electrode, and in electricalcontact with the first conductive layer via a second contact hole in thesecond insulating layer and a first contact hole in the first insulatinglayer, wherein the first contact hole and the second contact holeoverlap.
 4. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a transistorcomprising: a gate electrode; a semiconductor layer overlapping with thegate electrode; and a gate insulating layer between the gate electrodeand the semiconductor layer; a first conductive layer on and inelectrical contact with the semiconductor layer; a second conductivelayer on a same plane and of a same material as the first conductivelayer; a first insulating layer over the transistor and over the firstand the second conductive layers; a transmitting common electrodeoverlapping the second conductive layer; a third conductive layer on andin direct contact with the transmitting common electrode, the thirdconductive layer overlapping the second conductive layer and the firstinsulating layer; a second insulating layer on and in direct contactwith the first insulating layer and with the third conductive layer; anda transmitting pixel electrode on and in direct contact with the secondinsulating layer, overlapping the transmitting common electrode, and inelectrical contact with the first conductive layer via a second contacthole in the second insulating layer and a first contact hole in thefirst insulating layer, wherein the first contact hole and the secondcontact hole overlap, and wherein a bottom portion of the second contacthole is narrower than a top portion of the first contact hole when seenin a cross-section view.
 5. The liquid crystal display device accordingto claim 2, wherein the third conductive layer is a reflecting commonelectrode.
 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3,wherein the third conductive layer is a reflecting common electrode. 7.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein thethird conductive layer is a reflecting common electrode.
 8. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 2, wherein the thirdconductive layer is thicker than the transmitting common electrode. 9.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein thethird conductive layer is thicker than the transmitting commonelectrode.
 10. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4,wherein the third conductive layer is thicker than the transmittingcommon electrode.
 11. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 2, wherein the first insulating layer overlaps the transmittingcommon electrode.
 12. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 3, wherein the first insulating layer overlaps the transmittingcommon electrode.
 13. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 4, wherein the first insulating layer overlaps the transmittingcommon electrode.
 14. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 2, wherein the gate electrode is over the semiconductor layer. 15.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein the gateelectrode is over the semiconductor layer.
 16. The liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 4, wherein the gate electrode is overthe semiconductor layer.
 17. The liquid crystal display device accordingto claim 2, further comprising a fourth conductive layer between thetransmitting pixel electrode and the first conductive layer.
 18. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 3, further comprising afourth conductive layer between the transmitting pixel electrode and thefirst conductive layer.
 19. The liquid crystal display device accordingto claim 4, further comprising a fourth conductive layer between thetransmitting pixel electrode and the first conductive layer.
 20. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 2, further comprising athird insulating layer between the semiconductor layer and the firstconductive layer.
 21. The liquid crystal display device according toclaim 3, further comprising a third insulating layer between thesemiconductor layer and the first conductive layer.
 22. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 4, further comprising a thirdinsulating layer between the semiconductor layer and the firstconductive layer.
 23. An electronic appliance comprising the liquidcrystal display device according to claim
 2. 24. An electronic appliancecomprising the liquid crystal display device according to claim
 3. 25.An electronic appliance comprising the liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 4.